 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.” |
 John Manders has illustrated more than a 30 books for children, including, most recently, DIRT BOY by Erik Jon Slangerup. He also teaches illustration and graphic design history at Pittsburgh Technical Institute. He lives in Highland Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife, pet parrot and hound. |
 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 has had a lifelong love for words- from blue book essays and school newspapers to a stint as magazine editor for HBJ, a communications manager for a Fortune 500 company and (do I dare say?) over a dozen years as a freelance feature writer for national and regional magazines. |
 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. |