Featuring...

Sophie Blackall
An acclaimed author and illustrator of more than 50 children’s books, Sophie Blackall is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal, for Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear and Hello Lighthouse. Born in Australia, she is celebrated for her distinctive illustrations and storytelling.

Alyssa Satin Capucilli
An award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than 150 children’s books, Alyssa Satin Capucilli is best known for the beloved Biscuit series, which has sold more than 54 million copies worldwide. She is also the author of the Katy Duck and My First Experiences series.

Tami Charles
A former teacher and acclaimed author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction, Tami Charles is passionate about bringing diverse stories to young readers. Her books include the middle grade novel Like Vanessa and the picture book Freedom Soup.

Anika Aldamuy Denise
Pura Belpré Honor–winning author Anika Aldamuy Denise has written numerous books for young readers, including Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, A Girl Named Rosita, and The Love Letter. A proud Puerto Rican daughter from Queens, Anika now lives in Rhode Island with her family.

Kate DiCamillo
One of America’s most celebrated authors for young readers, Kate DiCamillo is the author of modern classics including Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux. She is one of a select group of authors to have received the prestigious Newbery Medal twice.

Carter Goodrich
Award-winning illustrator, author, and character designer Carter Goodrich has illustrated 16 New Yorker covers and worked as lead character designer on Brave, Ratatouille, and Despicable Me. A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, he has twice received a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators.

Molly Idle
Author and illustrator Molly Idle is the creator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Flora and the Flamingo and the other books in the popular Flora series. Her many other books include Tea Rex, Sea Rex, Pearl, Coral, and Witch Hazel.

Alan Katz
Alan Katz has written more than 40 acclaimed children’s books, including Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, The Day the Mustache Took Over, and the New York Times bestseller Misty the Cloud, with Dylan Dreyer. He is a frequent and popular visitor to schools across the country.

Kara LaReau
A former editor and award-winning author, Kara LaReau is best known for the Geisel Award–winning chapter book series The Infamous Ratsos. She has written many other subversive, silly, and fun books for young readers. Kara lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her family.

Juana Martinez-Neal
Award-winning author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal is the creator of Alma and How She Got Her Name, her first book as both author and illustrator. A New York Times bestselling illustrator, she has received a Caldecott Honor, two Sibert Medals, and a Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration.

Jason Reynolds
Acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds writes poetry, novels, and nonfiction for children and young adults. Known for his powerful and authentic voice, he is celebrated for telling stories that capture the experiences, challenges, humor, and humanity of young people.

Scott Rothman
Scott Rothman is a writer of picture books, screenplays, theater, and humor. His Attack of the Underwear Dragon and its sequel, Return of the Underwear Dragon, were both national indie bestsellers. His newest book, Judgy Bunny & the Terrible Beach, was selected for the Kids’ Indie Next List.

Philip Stead
Philip Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead, he has created such beloved books as Bear Has a Story to Tell and Lenny & Lucy. He is also the author and illustrator of numerous picture books of his own.

David Ezra Stein
Award-winning author and illustrator David Ezra Stein was born in Brooklyn, New York. A lifelong daydreamer, doodler, and creator, he works in a variety of media, and his artwork has appeared in American Illustration, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, PhD
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie is an interdisciplinary artist, poet, scholar, and author. Her picture book We Go Slow received the 2026 Golden Kite Award for picture book text, and Layla’s Happiness received an Ezra Jack Keats Honor. Tallie earned an MFA from Mills College and a PhD from Brown University.