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Brian P. Cleary is an American humorist, writer and poet, and award-winning author with more than 2 million books in print. A frustrated student and reluctant learner, Cleary daydreamed his way from class to class until being introduced to poetry in third grade. Ogden Nash, e. e. cummings, Lennon & McCartney - even the bawdy musical lyrics in the Marx Brothers' comedies set him on a course to explore and celebrate the wonder of words. Compared in reviews to Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, he is now found back in the classroom, as he's shared Ills love of our rich language with 85,000 students in 40 states. His school visits are fun presentations and workshops focusing on language, poetry, word play, puns, anagrams and the importance of the written word. |
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Dominic Catalano is an artist, writer, musician, and teacher. His illustrations have appeared in a number of children's magazines and have drawn high acclaim in many books for children. |
 | M.H. Herlong grew up in a small town in South Carolina where the only sailing was in books and there were never any hurricanes. This suited her perfectly as reading—and writing—were always her first loves. M.H. has taught high school English and college writing, gone to law school, practiced and taught law, sailed in the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands, had four boys, studied in graduate school, and experienced hurricanes. |
 | Irene Kelly My grown-up life as an author and illustrator of children’s books is not that different from my childhood. I still read and write a lot, and spend tons of time outside. I have tea in the afternoon and still play Scrabble and kick-the-can. When I’m not working on my books, I often visit schools to talk about writing and illustrating. I feel very lucky to be a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the proud companion to a chicken named Betty and a dog named Nellie.” |
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Wendy Pfeffer, award winning author of many children's books, has also written WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS: GETTING STARTED, for adults. She has taught elementary school, directed a nursery school and led adult classes in writing. She especially enjoys visiting schools, teaching writing workshops and leading interactive presentations with children. |
 | Chrysa Smith is an award-winning juvenile fiction author of the series: The Adventures of the Poodle Posse. The easy reader series (suggested for grades 2-4), has been a favorite for readers transitioning to chapter books and those who enjoy a fun canine tale with positive messages. School visits focus on inspiration; jump-starting students to write their own adventures and to take part in the editing process of newly published additions to the series. |
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Betty Tatham has directed three different YWCAs for more than twenty years, working on programs to help children become better readers, write their own stories, and enjoy learning about nature. She has won many awards for her work to help children and families in need. She is the author of How Animals Shed Their Skin, and she lives with her husband Win in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. |