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A

   Kim and Danny Adlerman have turned their storybook marriage into the business of fairy tales. Danny and Kim started coming up with weather-related rhymes, working them into the meter of "It's Raining, It's Pouring." Kim wrote their words on an envelope (which they still have). The Alderman's also published "Hey Diddle Diddle," the first sequel to "It's Raining, It's Pouring," and "Africa Calling Nighttime Falling."  Their fourth book, "Rub-a-dub-dub," is due out in February 1999. New Jersey  6/08

    Cris Arbo besides illustrating picture books has worked as a background artist on animated feature films, cartoons and TV commercials in New York and London, and as an Art Director for The Dance Centre, Covent Garden. She also performed as vocalist with the London Philharmonic and the London Symphony. Virginia 11/08

    A former elementary teacher and librarian, Linda Ayers began her writing career by writing literature activity books for educators and librarians. She has conducted professional development workshops for education service centers and public library systems, and has been a speaker at state conferences. Linda now devotes her time to writing children's fiction and poetry and visiting schools, where she encourages students to read and write. In addition to her author visits, Linda conducts writing workshops for 3rd- 7th graders. Texas 08/08

B  

     Rex Barron is a film animator and book illustrator and author. who worked for film and television productions including The Lord of the Rings, Starchaser, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and The Pink Panther. His school visits are lively, musical and colorful. New Mexico   6/08

    Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt is an award-winning magazine writer and the author of two children's activity books. This is her first picture book. She lives in Buffalo, New York. David Slonim is the author and illustrator of several children's books, including the "irresistible and infectious"* He Came With the Couch. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Bonnie, and their four children. *Time Out New York"  New York 8/08

     Mary Jane Begin Mary Jane Begin's award-winning children's picture book portfolio includes A Mouse Told His Mother, Little Mouse's Painting, Before I Go To Sleep, The Porcupine Mouse, and Jeremy's First Haircut. She has recently completed paintings for Kenneth Grahame's classic tale The Wind in The Willows, available this Fall. Rhode Island 12/2008

     Robin Brickman is an illustrator of children's picture books which are about the natural world, artistic creativity, and the fantasy world of ghosts. With a background as a teacher in high school, then holding workshops at the Norman Rockwell Museum, Robin brings with her a deep knowledge of her subject matter and educational techniques when she visits schools. Massachusetts  3/09

    Joan Buzick will keep students thinking, writing, singing and talking about what went right today? for a long time.  Students will enjoy the PowerPoint presentation, singing along, learning American Sign Language and sharing their stories.  Older students may discover how the What Went Right Today? attitude helped the author survive many adventures including a life threatening backpacking trip into the jungle of Panama. New Jersey 7/08

C

     Michael J. Caduto is a popular author, master storyteller, singer/songwriter and ecologist. He has devoted his life to promoting Earth stewardship and cultural understanding and diversity. In 1984 Michael founded P.E. A.C.E., Programs for Environmental Awareness and Cultural Exchange. Vermont 10/2008

      Susan Casey is an English teacher, a journalist, a speaker, and the author of Kids Inventing! A Handbook for Young Inventors and Women Invent! Two Centuries of Discovery That Have Shaped Our World. California 10/08

      Robert Casilla is an illustrator of many books for children, which has afforded him the great opportunity since 1989, to visit schools all over the United States. In these school visits, he does a visual presentation titled: "How I Illustrate a Children's Book." New York 4/08

      Deborah Ann Capone is the author of the award-winning children’s book Families are Forever. Deb is also the founder and CEO of As Simple As That, an innovative organization devoted to fostering self-esteem in children by teaching them to, respect, and celebrate all cultures, choices and abilities. New York 5/08

      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. Ohio 5/08

     Ginjer L. Clarke is an experienced and lively school and library presenter, who can provide tailored talks to grades K through 5. Her programs include engaging book readings, discussion of how she got started writing and got published, the process of how a picture book gets made, and concrete writing tips and exercises for older grades (and teachers too!). Virginia 12/08

      Brian Cleary is a nine-times published author and winner of both the International Reading Association's CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD, and the American Library Association KID'S PICK OF THE LIST. Half a million copies of his titles have been printed and his books have been reviewed positively in the School Library Journal as well as Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. Brian's cartoon gags (including Garfield and Ziggy) have appeared in more than 600 newspapers worldwide. His school visits are fun presentations and workshops on language, poetry, word play, puns, anagrams and the importance of the written word. Ohio 9/08

       Sneed B. Collard III is the author of Animal Dads, Our Wet World, Making Animal Babies, and 1,000 Years Ago On Planet Earth, Sneed B. Collard III has evolved through several life-history stages on his way to becoming one of today's leading children's authors. His first book, Sea Snakes, was published in 1993. His tenth title, Our Wet World, came out in 1998 and his twentieth title, Lizard Island‹Science and Scientists On Australia's Great Barrier Reef was released in Fall, 2000. Sneed has over a dozen additional books in the pipeline. When he is not writing, he can often be found speaking to students, conducting teacher workshops, and walking his Frisbee-catching border collie, Mattie. Montana 7/2008

        Patricia C. Cruzan enjoyed reading as a child and as an elementary teacher. She is still fascinated with books. Her stories, poems, and articles have appeared in anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. Two of the other books she has written are Tall Tales of the United States and Sketches of Life. Patricia's travels in and out of the United States have inspired her to write. Her musical experiences in college, throughout the United States, in other countries, and in church choirs have provided ideas to use in her writing. Georgia 8/08

D

     Marguerite W. Davol  writes mostly original folk tales, pourquoi, and tall tales, and visits schools as a Children's Book Author and Storyteller. Marguerite frequently presents adult workshops at conferences for writers, storytellers, and educators.  Massachusetts  11/08

     Diane deGroat has free-lanced in advertising, editorial, and design, but the main focus of her work has been in children's book illustration, with over 120 books to her credit. Many titles are for well-known authors but her most recent challenge has been writing and illustrating her own stories. Massachusetts  9/08

     Dorothy Diane Donohue was an art teacher before she began illustrating and writing children's books. After working at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, she started to do children's books. Currently Dorothy has published 13 picturebooks and the 14th is due to be available in the spring of 2004. Colorado 3/09

    Sandra Dutton is a writer, painter, and illustrator.  She has taught both art and writing at the elementary, high school and university levels and is now teaching “Writing for Children and Young Adults” at the University of Maine, Farmington. Dutton’s first novel for children, The Magic of Myrna C. Waxweather, was named to “Pick of the Lists” by American Bookseller, and her first picture book, The Cinnamon Hen’s Autumn Day, was featured in Publishers Weekly.  Dear Miss Perfect. . . is her first book for Houghton Mifflin.  Maine 5/2008

E

     Edward Einhorn is the author of A Very Improbable Story (Charlesbridge), a picture book on probability, two modern novels set in the land of Oz, and numerous plays produced in New York City including the puppet piece Unauthorized Magic in Oz. Perhaps his most notable play was the Off-Broadway production of Fairy Tales of the Absurd, which he co-authored and directed and which The New York Times called almost unbearably funny.     New York 4/09

F

    Edward Allan Faine is an author of  three children's books and the editor of one grown-up book.  In addition to writing, he performs for children at schools, stores, festivals, museums and parties as "Mister How-To."  Maryland 07/08

G

     Mel Glenn is the author of eleven books for young adults, including Foreign Exchange (Morrow), Jump Ball (Dutton), and Who Killed Mr. Chippendale? (Dutton), which was nominated for the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award of the Mystery Writers of America. He has received the Christopher Award and the American Library Association has recognized many of his titles as Best Books for Young Adults. In addition, the American Library Association named Who Killed Mr. Chippendale? one of the Top Ten Books of the Year. New York 8/08

    Nancy Glon and Adan Zedpeda collaborated to publish APPLES FOR LIFE in 1996, a Spanish edition, MANZANAS POR VIDA published in 1999 is now available. Indiana   7/2008  

    Carla Golembe is a painter, illustrator, author and teacher. Although she grew up in Massachusetts she always felt like a tropical soul. She went to graduate school in Mexico and fell in love with the culture, climate and natural beauty. When not painting, illustrating, writing or teaching, Carla’s favorite things to do are travel to warm places with quite beaches, snorkel and dance. Florida 07/008

   Matthew Gollub  Though I wasn't what you would call a bookish kid, I knew from the 5th grade that I liked to write. The drumming started in my elementary school band. First came the snare drum--rat-a-tat-tat. Then the bass drum-boom! Then the crash cymbals--smashing! Creating children's books and drumming has lead to invitations from schools. I enjoy presenting my stories with music and drama and spurring on the creativity inherent in young people. California 11/08

     Mike Graf is a former classroom teacher and TV weatherman. He knows how to speak to children and his assemblies are highly engaging and informative. Mike has written over 70 books for children and teachers.
Mike’s presentations include personally-experienced, gripping tales about scorpion encounters, flash floods, dinosaur digs, wolf sightings, bears encounters, cave rescues and explorations, thunderstorms and lightning strikes, tornado chasing, national parks adventures, rock-climbing and many other subjects. He also presents information on weather, the writing process, and how to create great stories. California Oregon Washington Nevada 5/09

Julee Ann Granger was born and raised on a farm in rural central Iowa. Very much like the central character in her story, Julee Ann was given free reign, as a child, to explore the woods, ponds and creeks on her farm, as well as play with and befriend, a myriad of farm animals. She currently is an elementary school teacher in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas, Missouri 4/09

    Diane Greenseid has illustrated many books for children, including When the Pigs Took Over by Arthur Dorros and We Had a Picnic this Sunday Past by Jacqueline Woodson. Besides doing children's picture books, Diane also does textbook illustrations as well as artwork for magazines, cards and posters. She is either sketching on tracing paper or painting on watercolor paper with acrylic paint. Either way, she feels lucky to be able to create art for a living! California 4/08

     Peni R. Griffin is the author of numerous books for young readers, including Ghost Sitter which won the 2004 William Allen White Award and Switching Well, which was named an ALA Notable Book and a Best Book for Young Adults. Ms. Griffin lives in San Antonio, Texas. 11/08

     John Steven Gurney makes visits to Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Almost everyone recognizes his work, whether through books or board games, although few would recognize his name. He discusses the process that goes into creating his humorous illustrations. Vermont   New Hampshire  Massachusetts 7/08

H     

   Gerald Hausman  In addition to his many books about Native America, Gerald Hausman has written extensively about animal mythology. His work as a folklorist has earned him many national and international honors.  Gerald Hausman is a frequent storyteller at college writer's programs and at young author's conferences. Florida 06/2008

    Will Hillenbrand has illustrated many award-winning books for children, including Down by the Station, a Kirkus Reviews Children's Book of Special Note, and Counting Crocodiles, a Child Magazine Best Book of the Year. He lives in Terrace Park, Ohio. 2/09

   Arlene Hirschfelder is the author and editor of numerous books on the Native American, including the award-winning, American Indian Stereotypes in the World of Children. She was a consultant for the US National Museum of the American Indian and for Turner Broadcasting Company's acclaimed series, The Native Americans. She likes visiting upper elementary, middle, and high schools in the Northeast. New Jersey 6/08

    Darrell House, 57 year old husband and father of 2 grown daughters, has brought his program, embracing his love of reading, to more than 40 schools as well as numerous Libraries, Book Fairs, Literary Conferences and Reading Festivals nationwide.  It's all original stories, poems and music, and it's guaranteed to delight children, librarians, media specialists, teachers, administrators and even parents.  The humor, energy and pace of the performance create an excitement that lasts long after his visit is concluded. Florida 01/2009

I

J

    Tim Jacobus - Are you a diehard Goosebumps fan who has always LOVED their scary covers each month but didn't know who painted them? Well, read on to find out more about Tim Jacobus, the talented artist behind all the great Goosebumps covers. New Jersey 7/08

   Layne Johnson is a native Texan and has illustrated numerous award winning children's books. His luminous paintings from "Christmas for a Kitten" (a Book Sense Children's 76 selected title), and his poignant art from "Where Horses Run Free", display his love of animals. But he loves people, too! Texas 7/09

    Paul Brett Johnson As both author and illustrator, he brings a dual perspective to his interactive presentations which involve kids in creating an original story from beginning to end. Kentucky 6/2008

    Ophelia Julien Along with a lifelong love of both reading and writing, she has also picked up a fascination for ghost stories and the paranormal, music, knitting, martial arts (both Eastern and Western), sign language, history, travel, and the lives and thought processes of kids. After raising two children herself and winding up as neighborhood den mother, part-time sitter, adopted mom, and sometimes tutor, she feels fairly qualified to write books for young adults. Besides, according to common knowledge, she is still in the process of growing up herself.  Illinois 3/08

K

     Jill Kastner is the illustrator of many books for children, including The Waterfall and her own Barnyard Big Top and Snake Hunt. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, she lives in Weehawken, New Jersey 9/08

    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.” New Jersey. 11/08

    Helen Ketteman believes that a picture book is many things. Its a childs first introduction to art as well as the written word, but it transcends even those two powerful things. Children are musical and in picture books, she believes the listening experience is an important part of the equation, and that through our use of language, we can capture a childs imagination and turn him on to being a lifetime reader and learner. Florida 1/09

L

   Elaine Landau is a highly acclaimed author of over 185 nonfiction books. She has written on such subjects as earth science, the supernatural, planets, dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, ecology and a broad range of contemporary issues. Florida 11/2008

   Deborah Nourse Lattimore began writing and illustrating books for young and zesty readers when she was in the 6th grade at Beverly Hills California. Asked to write something about ancient Egypt for a local paper competition, she won the contest with her story "Egypt from a Camel's Point of View."  Ms. Lattimore has traveled all over the world as a scholar, an artist, and a writer. She loves creating picture books that take young readers on amazing journeys back through time to ancient and mysterious cultures. California 05/08

M

       Betsy & Giulio Maestro author and illustrator team take students on a lively trip through the creative process for their non-fiction books. New Mexico 11/08

    Peter Mandel is a writer of children's books and books about animals, and is currently children's book columnist for the Providence Journal-Bulletin. Mandel's newest picture book, SAY HEY! A SONG OF WILLIE MAYS, was named an Amazon.com recommended book, a Boston Globe "Quick Pick" for children, a Child magazine suggested title, and a San Francisco Examiner "Bay City Best." His newest chapter book for children, just out, is MY OCEAN LINER: ACROSS THE NORTH ATLANTIC ON THE GREAT SHIP NORMANDIE. Rhode Island 9/2008

    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. Pennsylvania.12/08

    Justin Matott was in the corporate world when he wrote his first adult book.  Random House picked him up and he has been writing full time ever since. Justin has been a storyteller all his life. In his books he blends real life events with imagination and believes there are stories all about us,  just waiting to be written. Colorado 4/2008

    Yona Zeldis McDonough is the author of many acclaimed children’s books, including The Dollhouse Magic. Born in Israel, Ms. McDonough grew up in the United States and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and their two children  New York 6/08

     Cyd Moore's energy and enthusiasm lights up the room. Her lively presentation is always a favorite at education and library conferences. She gets rave reviews from teachers, parents, and most importantly, students from kindergarten through college. Michigan 9/08

N

     Jeff Nathan is the creator of PunOETRY™ for Chucklebooks Publishing and was selected as one of the nation’s funniest poets by Meadowbrook Press. An award-winning children’s author, educator, poet, singer and songwriter, Jeff has worked with children for 23 years, and started writing for his own kids. He has several programs that are wildly popular with children, teachers, and principals, alike. The kids love him for his humor and the adults like the way he uses that humor to help kids learn. Don't miss out on a unique EDUCATION THROUGH SIDE-SPLITTING HUMOR experience at your school. Massachusetts  Connecticut New Hampshire New York Rhode Island, Vermont 6/08

    W. Nikola-Lisa has written numerous children's books, including the award-winning Bein' with You This Way and America: My Land, Your Land, Our Land, both published by Lee & Low. A professor of education at National-Louis University in Evanston, Illinois, Nikola-Lisa lives in Chicago. Illinois 11/08

    Kate Noble wrote her first children's book after returning from safari in Africa where she photographed animals in the wild. A former teacher with advanced degrees, she is also a volunteer at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. She loves writing for and reading to children. She says, "Children are exposed to so much mindless violence these days that it is important to give them gentle and satisfying story experiences."  Illinois 8/08

O

    Jerrie P. Oughton author of picture books and young adult novels, covers the publishing and writing process in her presentations. See Lesson Plans and Teachers Guide among her books. North Carolina  01/09

    Vivian Owens "... When talking with Owens, whose voice conveys a luminous, confident presence and gracious humor, one tends to linger in a front-porch, general store, dusty small-town kind of way. One suspects that whether it is a classroom, the book-crammed study in which she writes or the fiction she creates, any place infused with Owens' spirit will be secure and inviting. You may find yourself asking for a story." From the Montpelier Magazine (James Madison University)  Florida 3/09

   P

    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. New Jersey 4/09

    Sandra Philipson is a reading specialist and educational consultant. She has degrees in education, reading and literacy. She also has published research in the field of medical literacy and has lectured in the Cleveland, Ohio area over the last six years. Ms. Philipson lives in the Village of Chagrin Falls, Ohio with her husband, two daughters and Max and Annie. Ohio 8/08

   Helen-Chantal Pike is a freelance writer, photographer, and lecturer. Her works have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Christian Science Monitor, Vermont Life, and New Jersey Monthly. For three years she was a travel columnist for the Boston Herald. She is the author of Greetings from New Jersey: A Postcard Tour of the Garden State (Rutgers University Press).  New Jersey  12/07

     Laurence Pringle is the nation's leading writer of books on nature and environmental issues for young people. Author of nearly 90 books for a range of ages, many of his titles appeal to students in elementary and middle schools. His books have won numerous awards and praise from reviewers and educators, and his school programs are enjoyed across the country. New York   10/2008

    Bonnie Pryor's humorous stories will inspire the children's reading and writing while they entertain. While she relates the "Real" stories behind many of her books children will learn to look into their own lives for story ideas, how to create interesting characters, and the importance of re-writing. She has published 32 books; both picture books and novels for up to grade six. "American Adventures" are being praised by teachers as being especially appealing to reluctant readers.  Ohio 2/08

Q

R

        R. Gary Raham, a former science teacher, is a science writer/illustrator/graphic artist with a special interest in making science fun for kids. Colorado 7/2008

       Daniel Lee Rogers writes and talks about is book AMERICA ONE STEP AT A TIME which details his hiking journey across the United States. His talks are as lively as his writing. North Carolina 12/08

       Peter and Connie Roop have written 60 children's books ranging from historical fiction to nonfiction. Seven of their books are "Reading Rainbow" books, including Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, a Feature Book.Wisconsin 4/2009

     Michael Elsohn Ross is the award-winning author of the Happy Camper Handbook, Wormology, Toy Lab, and Earth Cycles. He lives at the entrance of Yosemite National Park, CA on a bluff overlooking the wild Merced River. California 3/09

     Shelley Rotner brings a depth of experience and knowledge to her books with a diverse background as an elementary school teacher, museum educational specialist and UNICEF photographer. She is an award winning author and photo-illustrator of over twenty books   New York 2/09

S

    Phyllis Shalant After college, she tried several different careers related to writing. But when I finally started to work on my first novel, The Rock Star, the Rooster, & Me, the Reporter, a wonderful thing happened. I felt an awesome sense of being totally immersed in my imagination. I never want to lose that feeling again. Phyllis loves to speak with young readers. That's why her visits to schools and libraries are interactive experiences. She discusses the process of creating story. Phyllis always encourages young people to share their creative ideas with her. New York 8/08

    Jeff Savage is one of the nation's leading writers of non-fiction books for children. His award-winning list of more than 100 books includes biographies of positive role models in sports and entertainment, current events, and historical accounts of settling the West. California 11/07

   David Schwartz is a renowned author whose many books, including the beloved classic, How Much Is a Million?, get kids to laugh, think, wonder and see math in whole new way. He does the same in his school assemblies, using humor, suspense, and preposterous props to leave children inspired about writing and more excited about math than any of them (or their teachers) thought possible. California 8/08

    Kat Shehata is a former zookeeper who went to school with a bunch of animals…literally! She spent her junior and senior years of high school as a student at the Cincinnati Zoo's Animal Conservation and Care Program. Kat earned a bachelors degree from Wilmington College and a professional writing certificate from the University of Cincinnati. Kat is the author of San Francisco's Famous Sea Lions. Ohio2/08

T

    Edith Tarbescu is the author of 4 children's books and is working to launch soon two new books. She is a graduate of the State University of New York, with a B.A. in Communications. At Yale Drama School where she did post graduate work toward an M.F. A, Edith was awarded the Eugene O'Neill Scholarship both years. At Yale she studied playwriting as well as acted in stage productions.  A native New Yorker, Edith was born in Brooklyn, later moved to Connecticut and now lives between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, in New Mexico.   7/2008   

    Betty Tatham directed three different YWCAs for more than 20 years and she won numerous awards for her work to help children and families in need.  She also implemented programs to help children become better readers, write their own stories, and enjoy learning about nature.  Betty is the author of five nonfiction books for children including the award winning “Penguin Chick” and in 2003 she retired to make writing for children and school visits a full time career.  Getting children excited about reading and writing their own fiction and nonfiction stories is what she likes best about being an author.  Betty loves to travel with her husband Win and she often brings back ideas for more books.  They live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.10/08

   Patsi B. Trollinger  a Kentucky author says, "The birth of my daughters put me in touch with children's books, and I loved the high-energy style of writing." Perfect Timing, her first book, grew out of a small six-line story she noticed in the newspaper. "The story mentioned that Isaac Murphy was the first person to win three Kentucky Derbies, and I wanted to know more about him. By the time I saw his photo, I was hooked."   Kentucky  6/08

    Timothy Tucher is a retired teacher and writer from New York state. A sports enthusiast and historian, he magically transforms an auditorium into a warm fireside chat. By interacting with his audience and performing humorous stories, Timothy will leave your students and staff buzzing with excitement. New York 5/09

V
    Laurie Story Vela or Mother Goose Rapper - puts the FUN in the fundamentals of Literacy and English Language Development through interactive, imaginative materials that feature original, child-centered stories, rhymes, songs and characters. California 10/2007

    Lynette Dyer Vuong speaks and leads workshops on fiction writing and on folklore at schools, writers groups, and other organizations. Her programs, which are described in the Presentation section below, include Five Golden Rules of Fiction and A Close Encounter with an Asian Fairy, in which she appears in costume to tell about the life of the fairies along the Silver River (the Milky Way)  Texas 3/09

W

    Mary Watson graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  She worked as a graphic designer until 1990 when she returned to her first love, illustration. Her first children’s book “The Market Lady and the Mango Tree” was written by her husband, Pete Watson. Since then, Mary has written and illustrated many books and is now the creative force behind Shenanigan Books, a new and unique children’s book company.  New Jersey 03/09

    Carol Weis  It wasn't until her daughter was born that she fell in love with children's literature and poetry. She ran the library at her local elementary school for a number of years, and delighted in reading all her favorite titles to the students. After creating a picture book for a final project while getting her Master's Degree, she started writing children's books.    Massachusetts  9/08