Our 2025 Author & Illustrator Particpants
Join us for a magical celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of reading.
These authors and illustrators have committed to attend this year’s festival. They look forward to meeting young readers and talking with families, and will be happy to autograph and inscribe their books, which will be available for purchase. Children, families, authors, and illustrators: get ready for a day of discovery and fun!
Sarah Holly Ackerman
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Sarah Holly Ackerman is a children’s author and poet living in the Hudson Valley, NY. A former French teacher, she writes picture books and early readers, including Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle and The Mouse Buffet (2025).
Website
Sarah Holly Ackerman is a children’s author and poet living in the Hudson Valley, NY. A former French teacher, she writes picture books and early readers, including Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle and The Mouse Buffet (2025).
Website
Sarah Albee
Author | Elementary , Middle Grade
Sarah Albee is a nonfiction children’s author of over 150 titles, including Poison, Why’d They Wear That?, and Bugged. A former Sesame Street writer and editor, she brings humor and science to history and lives in Connecticut.
Website
Sarah Albee is a nonfiction children’s author of over 150 titles, including Poison, Why’d They Wear That?, and Bugged. A former Sesame Street writer and editor, she brings humor and science to history and lives in Connecticut.
Website
Heather Alexander
Author | Pre-School, Elementary, Middle Grade
Heather Alexander is the author and editor of over 70 children’s books, including the A Child’s Introduction to… series and Eat Bugs. Formerly a book scout and editor, she now writes from Los Angeles.
Website
Heather Alexander is the author and editor of over 70 children’s books, including the A Child’s Introduction to… series and Eat Bugs. Formerly a book scout and editor, she now writes from Los Angeles.
Website
Gabrielle Balkan
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Gabrielle Balkan is a Brooklyn and Hudson Valley-based author known for nonfiction titles like The 50 States, Meet the Megafauna, and Book of Bones. A former Scholastic editor, she blends science, geography, and art in engaging books for kids.
Website
Gabrielle Balkan is a Brooklyn and Hudson Valley-based author known for nonfiction titles like The 50 States, Meet the Megafauna, and Book of Bones. A former Scholastic editor, she blends science, geography, and art in engaging books for kids.
Website
Tracey Baptiste
Author | Pre-School, Elementary, Middle Grade
Tracey Baptiste is a New York Times bestselling author known for The Jumbies trilogy and African Icons. Born in Trinidad, she now teaches at Lesley University’s MFA program and writes both fiction and nonfiction for young readers.
Website
Tracey Baptiste is a New York Times bestselling author known for The Jumbies trilogy and African Icons. Born in Trinidad, she now teaches at Lesley University’s MFA program and writes both fiction and nonfiction for young readers.
Website
Artie Bennett
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Former copy editor turned children’s author, Artie Bennett is known for laugh-out-loud titles like The Butt Book and Poopendous!. He published crossword puzzles in The New York Times at 13 and lives in Brooklyn.
Website
Ethan T. Berlin
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
An Emmy-nominated television comedy writer turned children’s author, Ethan T. Berlin created the quirky Hugely‑Wugely Spider and other laugh-out-loud picture books. Regularly described as “hilarious” and “giggleworthy,” he also plays the robot L.I.S.A. on The Big Fib podcast (now a Disney+ series) and teaches comedy writing at NYU and Stony Brook.
Website
An Emmy-nominated television comedy writer turned children’s author, Ethan T. Berlin created the quirky Hugely‑Wugely Spider and other laugh-out-loud picture books. Regularly described as “hilarious” and “giggleworthy,” he also plays the robot L.I.S.A. on The Big Fib podcast (now a Disney+ series) and teaches comedy writing at NYU and Stony Brook.
Website
Valerie Bolling
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Valerie Bolling is a Connecticut-based author of inclusive, rhythmic picture books such as Let’s Dance!, Together We Ride, and Ride, Roll, Run. A former educator of 30 years, she mentors writers and speaks on equity in children’s literature.
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Valerie Bolling is a Connecticut-based author of inclusive, rhythmic picture books such as Let’s Dance!, Together We Ride, and Ride, Roll, Run. A former educator of 30 years, she mentors writers and speaks on equity in children’s literature.
Website
Lynnor Bontigao
Author and Illustrator | Elementary
Lynnor Bontigao is a Filipino‑born author‑illustrator who created Sari‑Sari Summers, her nostalgic debut about Filipino community life. A former NYC finance professional, she now brings culturally rich, textured storytelling to children’s books while based in New Jersey.
Website
Lynnor Bontigao is a Filipino‑born author‑illustrator who created Sari‑Sari Summers, her nostalgic debut about Filipino community life. A former NYC finance professional, she now brings culturally rich, textured storytelling to children’s books while based in New Jersey.
Website
Laura Bower
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Laura Bower, a former preschool teacher in Westchester, NY, is the playful and heartfelt author of The Imposter and Emily Snook, the World’s Smallest Cook. Her debut blends whimsy with resilience and celebrates quiet creativity in young readers.
Website
Laura Bower, a former preschool teacher in Westchester, NY, is the playful and heartfelt author of The Imposter and Emily Snook, the World’s Smallest Cook. Her debut blends whimsy with resilience and celebrates quiet creativity in young readers.
Website
Nick Bruel
Author and Illustrator | Pre-School, Elementary
Nick Bruel is the author-illustrator behind the bestselling Bad Kitty series. A former cartoonist and humorist, he lives in Tarrytown, NY and is known for his witty, energetic characters and love of gardening and PEZ dispensers.
Website
Nick Bruel is the author-illustrator behind the bestselling Bad Kitty series. A former cartoonist and humorist, he lives in Tarrytown, NY and is known for his witty, energetic characters and love of gardening and PEZ dispensers.
Website
Sylvia Chen
Author | Elementary
Sylvia Chen is the author of inclusive STEAM-themed picture books like Tricky Chopsticks and Sparkles for Sunny. She lives in New Jersey and creates playful, culturally-rooted stories that engage and celebrate diverse readers.
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Sylvia Chen is the author of inclusive STEAM-themed picture books like Tricky Chopsticks and Sparkles for Sunny. She lives in New Jersey and creates playful, culturally-rooted stories that engage and celebrate diverse readers.
Website
Mike Ciccotello
Author and Illustrator | Elementary
Mike Ciccotello is the author-illustrator of Twins, Beach Toys vs. School Supplies, and Leonard Builds a Haunted House. He hosts the “Draw with Mr. Mike” YouTube series and lives in New Jersey with his family.
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Mike Ciccotello is the author-illustrator of Twins, Beach Toys vs. School Supplies, and Leonard Builds a Haunted House. He hosts the “Draw with Mr. Mike” YouTube series and lives in New Jersey with his family.
Website
Phaea Crede
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Phaea Crede is a Boston-based picture book author with ADHD and dyslexia. Her humorous books include Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) and Super Pizza & Kid Kale. She’s a former stand-up comic and advocates for neurodivergent kids.
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Phaea Crede is a Boston-based picture book author with ADHD and dyslexia. Her humorous books include Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) and Super Pizza & Kid Kale. She’s a former stand-up comic and advocates for neurodivergent kids.
Website
Margery Cuyler
Author | Pre-School, Elementary, Middle Grade
Margery Cuyler is the author of 50+ books, including That’s Good! That’s Bad! and 100th Day Worries. A former publishing executive and writing teacher at Princeton, she is based in New Jersey.
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Margery Cuyler is the author of 50+ books, including That’s Good! That’s Bad! and 100th Day Worries. A former publishing executive and writing teacher at Princeton, she is based in New Jersey.
Website
Jacky Davis
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Jacky Davis is the co-creator of the Ladybug Girl series and author of Black Belt Bunny and Sunny Side Up. She lives in Rosendale, NY, where she writes playful and diverse picture books.
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Jacky Davis is the co-creator of the Ladybug Girl series and author of Black Belt Bunny and Sunny Side Up. She lives in Rosendale, NY, where she writes playful and diverse picture books.
Website
Barbara Dee
Author | Middle Grade
Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of 14 middle-grade novels, including My Life in the Fish Tank and Violets Are Blue, often tackling mental health and identity. A former teacher and attorney, she co-founded the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.
Website
Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of 14 middle-grade novels, including My Life in the Fish Tank and Violets Are Blue, often tackling mental health and identity. A former teacher and attorney, she co-founded the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.
Website
Della Ross Ferreri
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Della Ross Ferreri is the author of picture books, early readers, and board books including Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle and Precious Baby. A poet and co-founder of CWHV, she lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Website
Della Ross Ferreri is the author of picture books, early readers, and board books including Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle and Precious Baby. A poet and co-founder of CWHV, she lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Website
Claudia Friddell
Author | Elementary, Middle Grade, Young Adult
Claudia Fridell writes award-winning narrative nonfiction for children, including Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls and Saving Lady Liberty. A former elementary teacher, she is based in Baltimore and focuses on unsung heroes of history.
Website
Claudia Fridell writes award-winning narrative nonfiction for children, including Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls and Saving Lady Liberty. A former elementary teacher, she is based in Baltimore and focuses on unsung heroes of history.
Website
Josh Funk
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Josh Funk is the author of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, How to Code a Sandcastle, and My Pet Feet. A former software engineer, he’s visited 800+ schools and advocates for STEM and literacy.
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Josh Funk is the author of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, How to Code a Sandcastle, and My Pet Feet. A former software engineer, he’s visited 800+ schools and advocates for STEM and literacy.
Website
Nancy Furstinger
Author | Pre-School, Elementary, Middle Grade
Nancy Furstinger is the author of nearly 100 children’s books, many focused on animal rescue, such as Mercy and The Forgotten Rabbit. A dedicated animal welfare volunteer, she lives with rescued pets and writes nonfiction and fiction for young readers.
Website
Nancy Furstinger is the author of nearly 100 children’s books, many focused on animal rescue, such as Mercy and The Forgotten Rabbit. A dedicated animal welfare volunteer, she lives with rescued pets and writes nonfiction and fiction for young readers.
Website
Laura Gehl
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of 30+ books, including One Big Pair of Underwear and the Baby Scientist series. A former neuroscientist and science writer, she lives in Maryland with her family.
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Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of 30+ books, including One Big Pair of Underwear and the Baby Scientist series. A former neuroscientist and science writer, she lives in Maryland with her family.
Website
Julie Gonzalez
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Julie Gonzalez is a picture book author whose debut How Could a Bear Sleep Here? inspires cozy curiosity in young readers. She regularly visits schools, libraries, and festivals. A nature lover at heart, Julie lives in the woods with her family and a rabbit, and dreams up her best ideas while exploring the outdoors.
Website
Julie Gonzalez is a picture book author whose debut How Could a Bear Sleep Here? inspires cozy curiosity in young readers. She regularly visits schools, libraries, and festivals. A nature lover at heart, Julie lives in the woods with her family and a rabbit, and dreams up her best ideas while exploring the outdoors.
Website
Jyoti Gopal
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Jyoti Gopal is a picture book author, teacher, and global citizen. Her books, including American Desi and My Paati’s Saris, celebrate identity and heritage. She lives in Yonkers, NY, and was honored with the ALA Stonewall and Neev Literature Awards.
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Jyoti Gopal is a picture book author, teacher, and global citizen. Her books, including American Desi and My Paati’s Saris, celebrate identity and heritage. She lives in Yonkers, NY, and was honored with the ALA Stonewall and Neev Literature Awards.
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Stephanie Graegin
Author and Illustrator | Pre-School, Elementary
Stephanie Graegin is a Brooklyn-based author-illustrator known for warm, detailed illustrations in books like Little Fox in the Forest and Fern & Otto. She holds a BFA from MICA and an MFA from Pratt Institute.
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Stephanie Graegin is a Brooklyn-based author-illustrator known for warm, detailed illustrations in books like Little Fox in the Forest and Fern & Otto. She holds a BFA from MICA and an MFA from Pratt Institute.
Website
Lisa Greenwald
Author | Middle Grade
Lisa Greenwald is the author of bestselling middle-grade series including TBH, Friendship List, and Pink & Green. She holds an MFA from The New School and works as a school librarian in NYC, where she lives with her family and dog, Kibbitz.
Website
Lisa Greenwald is the author of bestselling middle-grade series including TBH, Friendship List, and Pink & Green. She holds an MFA from The New School and works as a school librarian in NYC, where she lives with her family and dog, Kibbitz.
Website
Melanie Hall
Illustrator | Pre-School, Elementary, Middle Grade
Melanie Hall is an award‑winning illustrator and writer from Massachusetts, known for over 25 children’s books such as Winter Walk in the City and Fall Frolic in the City. Her sophisticated, whimsical art is featured at the Society of Illustrators and taught in MFA programs.
Website
Melanie Hall is an award‑winning illustrator and writer from Massachusetts, known for over 25 children’s books such as Winter Walk in the City and Fall Frolic in the City. Her sophisticated, whimsical art is featured at the Society of Illustrators and taught in MFA programs.
Website
Tara Hannon
Author and Illustrator | Elementary
Tara Hannon is a children’s author-illustrator and former art director. Her books include Let’s Share, Panda Bear and the Dirt and Bugsy series. Based in Maryland, she blends playful storytelling with gentle themes of community.
Website
Tara Hannon is a children’s author-illustrator and former art director. Her books include Let’s Share, Panda Bear and the Dirt and Bugsy series. Based in Maryland, she blends playful storytelling with gentle themes of community.
Website
Rochelle Hassan
Author | Middle Grade, Young Adult
Rochelle Hassan writes middle-grade and YA fantasy steeped in folklore and magical realism. Her books include The Buried and the Bound trilogy and The Prince of Nowhere. She lives in New York and draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli and myth.
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Rochelle Hassan writes middle-grade and YA fantasy steeped in folklore and magical realism. Her books include The Buried and the Bound trilogy and The Prince of Nowhere. She lives in New York and draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli and myth.
Website
Kay Healy
Author and Illustrator | Elementary, Middle Grade
Kay Healy is a Philadelphia-based artist and debut graphic novelist. Her book Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl (2025) draws from her work in fabric art and education. She holds an MFA from the University of the Arts.
Website
Maya Henderson
Author and Illustrator | Elementary, Middle Grade
Maya Henderson is a Hudson Valley-based illustrator and author. A MICA graduate, her debut graphic novel Brainbow is set for 2026. She also illustrated the Neecy and Nay Nay series and has been featured in The New Yorker.
Website
Maya Henderson is a Hudson Valley-based illustrator and author. A MICA graduate, her debut graphic novel Brainbow is set for 2026. She also illustrated the Neecy and Nay Nay series and has been featured in The New Yorker.
Website
Lauren Hoffmeier
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Lauren Hoffmeier is a children’s book author and yoga instructor. Her Mula and the Fly series introduces mindfulness to kids, reflecting her background in opera, yoga, and global awareness. She is based in NYC.
Website
Lauren Hoffmeier is a children’s book author and yoga instructor. Her Mula and the Fly series introduces mindfulness to kids, reflecting her background in opera, yoga, and global awareness. She is based in NYC.
Website
Kate Hosford
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Kate Hosford is a Brooklyn-based educator turned award-winning picture book author and children’s poet. Her titles—including Infinity and Me—have earned ALA Notable, Junior Library Guild, and NYT Best Illustrated honors and been translated into multiple languages.
Website
Kate Hosford is a Brooklyn-based educator turned award-winning picture book author and children’s poet. Her titles—including Infinity and Me—have earned ALA Notable, Junior Library Guild, and NYT Best Illustrated honors and been translated into multiple languages.
Website
Raven Howell
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Raven Howell is the award-winning author of 20+ picture books and poems, including Blink and Glow and The Fisherman and the French Flounder. She serves as Creative Advisor for RedClover Reader and lives in New York.
Website
Raven Howell is the award-winning author of 20+ picture books and poems, including Blink and Glow and The Fisherman and the French Flounder. She serves as Creative Advisor for RedClover Reader and lives in New York.
Website
Melissa Iwai
Author | Pre-School, Elementary
Melissa Iwai is a Brooklyn-based author-illustrator known for Soup Day, Dumplings for Lili, and the Gigi and Ojiji series. Her multicultural stories promote representation and include educational materials for classrooms.
Website
Melissa Iwai is a Brooklyn-based author-illustrator known for Soup Day, Dumplings for Lili, and the Gigi and Ojiji series. Her multicultural stories promote representation and include educational materials for classrooms.
Website
Bee Johnson
Author and Illustrator | Pre-School, Elementary
Memphis-born and Brooklyn-based illustrator and picture book maker, Bee Johnson studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her debut picture book What Can a Mess Make? launched her award-winning career. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and their beagle Banjo, and works with publishers like Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and The New York Times.
Website
Memphis-born and Brooklyn-based illustrator and picture book maker, Bee Johnson studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her debut picture book What Can a Mess Make? launched her award-winning career. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and their beagle Banjo, and works with publishers like Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and The New York Times.
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