WE SOURCE, PACKAGE & DEVELOP CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT STORIES WITH UNIVERSAL APPEAL, FROM UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES FOR BOOKS, FILM, TV & DIGITAL MEDIA
picture books
Picture Book
The Chef and the Baker
Written by Clayton Suttles
Illustrated by Nate Suttles & Christy Sexton
The Chef and the Baker is a humorous, rhyming children’s picture book containing 548 words spread over 34 pages of claymation-style art that will keep both children and adults coming back for more. It has the ability to entice early readers in a way that is fun and educational, to provide enough challenge for slightly advanced young readers, and also to visually stimulate children of all ages.Children’s thirst for competition, hunger for food, and love of laughter will allow this book to find success in the market. This book is intended to be the first in a series in which children will learn classic values in fresh and humorous ways, as illustrated by a recurring community of characters. The 2nd book is near completion. The Tiny Town Tales series can be enjoyed by children and parents everywhere.
Summary Artwork Script Comps
• Wallace & Gromit
• The Adventures of Beekle: The Imaginary Friend
• The Wolfboy series
• The work of Mo Willems
Picture Book for Ages 2-6
Miss You
by Jihae Huh
In this wordless picture book, an old man sitting alone is looking at an album with photos of a child. While staring at the album, he finds the child waving at him in one picture. Astonished, he looks closely and finds himself falling into the picture with the child. They explore the majesty of the memories together: castles made of building blocks, toy cars, model airplanes, a Ferris wheel, and more. After a day of play and the sun sets, the old man finds himself back in his house alone.
Picture Book
My Place in Space
by Tracy Blom, Stephen White, and Jesse Byrd
Summary
All eyes will be on the sky in 2026 when the first woman lands on the moon, but who are the people who make that magic moment possible? This is the question that a young child has as she explores all the ways she can work for NASA.
My Place in Space introduces young readers to various space-related careers outside of being an astronaut, including space gardeners, volcano scientists, mission control, rocket drivers, and more!
This book was created by Stephen White, chairman of the board for the International Space Station, along with award-winning authors Tracy Blom and Jesse Byrd. With the support of NASA and COSI Museum this book was the potential to reach millions of children around the world and remind them that the sky really is the limit.
Double
Escaped
Written by Tracy Blom
Illustrator to be Attached
Summary Pitch Deck Script
Two surly witches are ready to ditch their old broomsticks and conjure a new way to fly. Their potion goes awry when a single bubble flies out of the pot and heads into the city. In order to stay safe it transforms into different shapes, quickly learning that it can change the world for good with each new look.
• Casper the Friendly Ghost
• Strange World/Splat
Double
Bubble Picture Book
Comps
Tracy Blom
Picture Book
That’s Not The Way It’s Supposed to Go
Written by Malik Sickstein
Illustrated by Paige A. Mason
This is a story about building frustration-tolerance by experiencing setbacks and changes. The story follows a character and their friends, through a series of situations that go opposite of what’s expected, ranging from common, to silly to surreal.
Each curveball leads to what is becoming Sickstein’s signature moment of realization by the main character, which results in the ultimate acceptance of things that are sometimes beyond our control, despite our best plans and intentions.
Picture Book
A Spoonful of Love: A Recipe for Family Magic
Written by Janeen Jackson
Art Not Yet Developed
Summary Script
This heartwarming story follows Ty’s journey from curious observer to eager participant in his family’s kitchen. As he helps his mom cook a delicious gumbo, he learns that the secret ingredient isn’t magic but love. The story celebrates the power of family traditions and the way recipes connect generations.
The ending leaves the reader with a sweet image of the tradition continuing as Ty recreates the magic for his own children. Included in the book is a fun recipe exercise that allows you to create your own magical mealtime memory with your family. Learn how to make colorchanging butterfly pea tea, a delightful science experiment disguised as a delicious drink!
Comps
• Soul Food Sunday
• The Spice Box
• Kalamata’s Kitchen: Tastebuds in Harmony
• Last Stop on Market Street
Picture Book
Summary Script
Big Sister, Surprise!: An Adoption Journey
Conintued
Written by Janeen Jackson
Art Not Yet Developed
Art from the previous book
In the second book of the Hello Sweet Baby series, Sweet Baby Red, a young tomato growing in Hopewell Garden discovers a surprising truth about her family. When a flower blooms on their family vine, everyone celebrates, expecting new little tomatoes. However, Sweet Baby Red learns she didn’t grow on her family’s vine – she’s adopted! Confused and worried, she wonders if her parents will love her less with new siblings on the way. With the help of her parents and friends, she discovers that love is like sunshine – there’s enough to go around for everyone. As new siblings arrive, Sweet Baby Red embraces her role as a big sister, realizing that families come in all shapes and sizes and love is the strongest vine that binds them.
This heartwarming story explores themes of adoption, selfdiscovery, and the enduring power of family love.
Comps
• I Wished For You
• We Belong Together: A Book About Families and Adoption
• How I Was Adopted
Summary Script
Imagine a world where a clever T-Rex and her dinosaur friends embark on exciting adventures, making their wildest dreams come true through inventive engineering and imaginative design. “Tinkering T-Rex” is not just a book series; it’s a journey into a world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for young minds. Created by Mythbusters JR. Host Tamara Robertson and award-winning author Tracy Blom, this captivating series blends engaging storytelling with hands-on learning to inspire the next generation of innovators.
In each thrilling installment, Tinkering T-Rex and her pals join forces to tackle challenges and overcome obstacles like enabling Iguanodon to fly by building a flying apparatus. Alongside the engaging narrative, each book includes a fun and educational DIY project, such as a stomp rocket, encouraging kids to bring the magic of the story to life through their own creativity and problem-solving skills.
Comps
Picture Book
Tinkering Rex
Written by Tamara Robinson & Tracy Blom
Illustrator to be Attached
• The LEGO Ideas Book New Edition: You Can Build Anything!
• Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
• Rosie Revere, Engineer
• Ada Twist Scientist
Picture Book
Dreams in An Eggshell
Written by Alegra Daishelle
Art Not Yet Developed
Summary Script
A mother bird excitedly waits for her baby bird to hatch. “A few more minutes…” says a voice from inside the egg. The baby would rather dream about the world outside, from the safety of her shell. Through illustrations, we see that what she imagines is very different from how the world really looks. The reassuring mother helps her baby discover that courage is doing something even though it is scary. When she finally emerges, the baby bird is rewarded for her bravery with a world more wondrous and beautiful than she ever imagined!
About the Writer
Alegra Daishelle loves books and was a voracious reader throughout her childhood. She gained experience in storytelling in her 20’s and 30’s, taking movement and theater classes, attending acting school and writing a solo performance piece.
At 35 Alegra contracted Lyme Disease and was bedridden for many years. During this time children’s stories started coming to her. Later, she began reading and playing with her caregiver’s children. In spite of her many limitations, she finds joy in writing for children, helping them navigate their feelings and emotions.
Picture Book
Written by Alegra Daishelle
Art Not Yet Developed
This manuscript, composed of two poems, takes us on a sensory journey from the perspective of NIGHT and DAY. The deep dark night is lit by the shining moon; the silence is broken by the hoot of an owl. Day breaks with the pink and blue of sunrise. We hear bees buzzing in the flwowers and feel the warmth of sun on our skin. These poems encourage children to stop and notice what’s around them, fostering wonderment and an appreciation of nature. They challenge the equation of dark with bad and light with good, as we discover the beauty of the dark, the light, and all the shades in between.
Summary Script Comps
Summary Script Comps
Written by Alegra Daishelle
Art Not Yet Developed
This fresh take of an ABC book captures our attention with its humor and silliness. It begins with a picture of a perfect house and yard. Looking more closely, we see something is amiss. Oh no! Is that a beaver in the bathtub making a dam with bath toys? Is there a vulture in the vegetable garden eating all the vegetables? We go through the alphabet finding animals in strange and mysterious places. What will come next? Find out what other animals are at home at this memorable house!
Picture Book
Picture Book
The Rhyme Time Party
Written by Alegra Daishelle
Art Not Yet Developed
Summary Script
PIG is excited and nervous as she heads to That Darn Barn for her first Rhyme Time party. Will she find other words that rhyme with her? The immense room is filled with words. She sees Bump meet Lump, Rose meet Nose, Goo meet Shoe, and Cloud meet Loud, but no words that rhyme with Pig. After a long search, she is elated to meet Big, Fig, and Wig! Then, she spots PURPLE crying in a corner, unable to find any rhyming mates. PIG and her new friends come to her rescue. They invent words to rhyme with PURPLE, while learning the value of empathy and friendship.
Comps
The Wandering Water Puppet
by Dac Trung Tran
Summary Script Artwork
A lost water puppet wanders his world asking why he was made. After a string of confusing answers from strangers, he meets the four sacred beast of Asian legend who prophesy that he was made to aid a young King through a trying time. The water puppet finds purpose through helping another and the value of bringing joy and companionship.
Comps
Picture Book
The Empty Pot
The Paper Crane
Zen Shorts
The Day I Met the Golden Broom
by Dac Trung Tran
A young witch is distressed when her cat gets nabbed by a local ogre. Hearing her wails, a magical broom decides to help the witch in her quest to rescue her furry friend. After a series of unsuccessful attempts the pair use wit and magic to free the cat and, in the process, become quick friends.
• Room on the Broom Journey
• The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned his ABCs (The Hard Way) Full Storyboard
Picture Book
To Paint A Perfect Picture
by Daniela Alarcon
Summary Artwork
A young boy in Argentina loves to paint the landscapes of his home country. For fun. For him and his family. When he’s encouraged to share his art more widely, with the praise, there’s criticism that makes him second guess the value of his art. His success brings stress and pushes him to quit. He then goes on a journey to rediscover why he ever made art in the first place.
Picture Book
Mighty Mara
3: Dance Tryouts
Written by Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd
Illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodriguez
The dance competition is coming up soon and Mara and Dante need to fill two remaining spots! When no one shows up to tryouts, they decide to scout for natural talent in their school. After adding a tall rollerblading girl to their team, they have one more slot to fill. The school mascot keeps lingering around practice and when they catch him dancing in the background they discover it’s really the school bully in disguise. They want him to join but he’s hesitant given what his dad and peers may think. The dance team slowly helps him find his confidence to be himself and their team is complete and ready to enter the dance battle in the next book.
Picture Book
Comps • Mighty Mara 1 &
Mighty Mara 2
Book
The Sound of Change
Written by Gloria Day
Summary Script
This book was written as a call to the children of the world that shouts, “we know this is affecting you too.” This book is also a celebration of the work it takes to push the world towards more just and loving ways of living on this planet. Most importantly, this book is a reminder that children do not have to sit and wait for adults to ask the questions that lead to better ways of living. The world that they’re watching will be theirs before we know it. If they learn to embrace the sound of change now, it will become a familiar, empowering rhythm that they will march to for the rest of their lives.
Picture
Picture Book
When Zoe Prays
Written by Gloria Day
Zoey is a little girl who is full of life and is very aware of the busyness of the world around her. When no one seems to be able to slow down, Zoey likes to do one simple thing...pray. When Zoey prays, it brings calmness to her heart; and it just so happens to do the same for everyone around her.
Summary Script Comps
• The Quiet Book
• Thank You, God, For Everything
• When I Pray for You
Picture Book
Written & Illustrated by
Monique Wray
Cerasee is about a six-year-old girl, Monique, who pretends to be sick to skip school and spend time with her grandma.
Wise to her antics, grandma serves her granddaughter a traditional Jamaican tea with healing properties but a TERRIBLE taste. How much of this tea can little Monique stomach in an effort to keep from going to school? Summary Script
Cerasee
Picture Book
I Have A Rainbow In Me
Written by Roxanne Chester
Art Not Yet Developed
Summary Script
A young girl paints her own colorful portrait using red, blue, and yellow, creating her unique shade of brown. She is joyful to discover that by adding or subtracting the primary colors, she can create her own color and the colors of her friends. She celebrates that although they are all made from the colors of the rainbow, they are even more beautiful on the inside, bringing their unique imaginations, talents, and voices. Sharing their inner rainbows helps a lonely child feel loved, and the friends create a collaborative art mural. The young girl realizes that she has a rainbow within and takes it with her wherever she goes. Back matter includes a lesson on color theory and activities for mixing skin tones, with the lesson that all skin tones come from the primary colors.
Comps
• The Colors We Share
• Mixed: A Colorful Story
• Magnificent Homespun Brown
Picture Book
Maw Maw’s
Music: The Power of Music for Dementia
Written by Roxanne Chester
Art Not Yet Developed
In this tender story about intergenerational relationships and memory loss, a young girl visits her Maw Maw, who loves to play music and tell stories. Maw Maw’s eyes sparkle as she tells grand stories from the past, including the time an alligator chased her home and left a muddy mess! But when Maw Maw starts forgetting stories, the young girl’s heart feels out of tune. How can she help?
Showcasing the love between grandparents and grandchildren, the young girl uses the power of music to share memories with her Maw Maw. Back matter includes an explanation of dementia and the empowering ways young readers can connect with loved ones by creating a meaningful playlist of music.
Comps Script
Written by Roxanne Chester
Not Yet Developed
When Cosmo, a daredevil extraordinaire, learns he has only nine lives, he slinks away from the danger around every bend. Still, try as he might, he keeps losing his lives until the day he has only one left. If he wants to remain the talk of the town, this daredevil needs to learn some new tricks... just in the nick of time. Summary Comps Script
Frankie Finds
Her Way Home
Written & Illustrated by Abi Fox
Summary Script Pitch Deck
Frankie is a house cat who naps her days away in the window of the log cabin where she lives. One stormy Sunday, Frankie is faced with an open door to the unknown and her curiosity gets her swept up in an adventure fit for a wild cat! Follow Frankie’s whirlwind journey Outside and through the scary woods near her home, where she runs from a Monster and weathers a terrible storm. This heartwarming children’s story tells a cat’s perspective on getting lost during a natural disaster and the new friends, both kind and kind of strange, that help her find her way home.
Comps
• Lost Stick, Cat & Cat Adventures: The Quest for Snacks, The Backyard, Penny & The Lost Little Puppy
Picture Book
Picture Book
My Motivation’s
On Vacation
Written by Malik Sickstein
Illustrated by Paige A. Mason
This picture book uses an unconventional rhyming readalong style to weave a journey of figuratively and literally losing oneself and then finding oneself from the vantage point of a boy recognizing his own patterns of irresponsibility once they get out of control and then setting out to not only undo the damage, but improve overall. Summary
• What Do You Do With A Problem?
• I Am Stuck
Written by Casi Cole
Illustrated by Amanda Romanick
Moon Cat is a nighttime meditation story to teach children how to relax and visualize as they fall asleep. It is told to a child by her grandfather, a childhood story of a Moon Cat that takes her on an adventure. They travel through a forest, to the moon, to the ocean, and through a city to arrive home once again, soothed and ready to sleep. Summary Script Comps
Good Night, Moon
The Moon’s Almost Here
Sleep Like A Tiger
Moon Cat
Picture Book
CHAPTER 2
early reader graphic novels
Summary
Graphic Novel for Ages 6-9
Sol Naciente
Written
& Illustrated
by Ray Mendoza Landa
Sol Naciente is the story about a young boy who wants to be a great luchador like his dad. The story is based off of Ray’s relationship with his own dad who he views as his hero.
• Max and the Midknights
• Lucy & Andy Neanderthal
Comps
• Little Robot
• Star Wars: Jedi Academy
Summary Comps
Overwhelmed by guilt, Justin wrestles with the haunting idea that he could be to blame for his parents’ cryptic death. Elkin, his best friend, is caught in a dilemma, balancing his family’s secrets and his authentic connection with Justin. Can the duo conquer their personal obstacles and join forces to thwart the wicked schemes of Oogley Moogley, the Conqueror? Find out during this galactic graphic novel for young readers.
Early Reader Graphic Novel
Justin Saves the Universe
Written by Florenza Lee
Illustrated by Abi Fox
Graphic Novel for Ages 6-9
Vejigato
by Naomi Fantauzzi
Summary Pitch Deck Art Samples
The story revolves around Ashy, a cat who becomes a demon due to mistreatment by humans, causing hatred to fester within him. Each year, Ashy and other demons wreak havoc at the Vejigantes festival in Ortensias, where humans celebrate spirits by dressing in colorful clothes and masks. The demons’ mischief stems from their resentment towards humans and their favoritism of spirits.
This year, Ashy finds a workshop filled with vejigante masks and starts destroying them, only to be cursed by one of the masks. The workshop belongs to Griselle, an old woman who makes vejigante masks as a family tradition. Bound by the curse, Ashy and Griselle cannot be apart. Griselle offers to help Ashy lift the curse if he can control his temper and see the beauty in life. United by the curse, an unusual friendship begins to grow between them.
Comps • The Amulet Series • Nightlights • The Okay Witch
3-in-1 Early Reader Graphic Novel Summary Script Artwork
Rodriguez and the Evil Lights
Written
& Illustrated
by Lau Moraiti
Comps
• Magic Tree House
• The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella
• Clues in the Attic
• Katie the Catsitter
• Patrick Picklebottom Everyday Mysteries
• InvestiGators
Two friends growing up in Uruguay’s countryside investigate local myths and legends from their community. In this 3-in-1 early reader graphic novel, the two kids encounter:
• A famous tree haunted by a once broken-hearted lover
• A mysterious light people have been disappearing into
• The 7th son of a family of a neighboring family who will turn into a werewolf under the first full moon according to local legend
Later in the series, these two curious friends become life partners.
Cleo
The Cape
Written & Illustrated by Camilla Sarra
Cleo, a curious and adventurous 10-year-old girl, embarks on a vacation alone with her mom for the first time since her parents separated. Everything quickly takes a turn when she discovers that the place is in danger and that she is the key to saving it from those who want to destroy it for profit. Alongside Valesca, a local girl, they discover the power of friendship, courage, and creativity to face the challenges threatening their home. Together, they embark on a magical journey to the depths of the sea full of adventures and encounters with marine creatures, where they will learn valuable lessons about the importance of caring for the environment.
Hilda and the Troll, Atelier of Witch Hat, Lightfall
&
Early Reader Graphic Novel
Early Reader Graphic Novel
McGill & Lee
Written by Florenza Lee
Illustrated by Abi Fox
The Adventures of McGill & Lee: Invasion of the Mutant Plications follows the unlikely dynamic duo as they face an unexpected challenge: intergalactic invaders posing like tricky math problems. Math whiz McGill and imaginative Lee must utilize their developing testing skills to outsmart the invaders and save the day.
This engaging graphic novel entertains and reinforces essential study methods, making it an exciting and impactful tool for boosting math scores. The goal is to kick off a captivating multibook series that blends education with adventure, creating a fun and practical learning experience for children aged 9 - 12.
CHAPTER 3
middle grade
Middle Grade Graphic Novel
It’s Not Me, It’s The Planet
An alien ship that landed on Earth by mistake, unknowingly takes Emilio to a distant planet where things aren’t much different from Earth. There, he meets Tau Tani, an enthusiastic alien who is also discontent with his own reality. Things escalate quickly as Emilio is at risk of becoming a circus freak at Tau’s planet, and together they must find a way to get Emilio back to Earth while discovering the true power of having a goal and working through the many challenges it takes to get back to Earth. Summary Script
Comps
Written
& Illustrated by
Lau Moraiti & Daniela Alracon
Young Adult
Undeadbeats
Written & Illustrated by Grace Kegel
Summary Script Artwork
The Undeadbeats follows four undead outcasts as they attempt to make a career as a punk rock band in the underworld. They don’t remember who they were or how they died, but after the band scores a high-stakes gig, the pressure is on to up their songwriting game! In the process, they accidentally uncover a spell that brings glimpses of their past lives to them and their audience. The series follows the band as their spell gathers the interest of mysterious outside parties and draws them ever closer to the answers they seek, and the stardom they crave.
Comps
• 5 Worlds
• Hilda and the Trolls
• The Perfect Place
• Wing Bearer
Middle Grade Chapter Book
A Choose-Your-Own Adventure Multiverse Story
On Christmas Eve 1979, a brilliant scientist, Dennis Downing, made contact with something in outer space that presented him with an offer: to expand the universe and form alternate realities. Then he went missing. Years later, his daughter Aljanah stumbles upon his work, inadvertently triggering a cosmic shift that propels her into an alternate reality—a world of flawless perfection where her long-lost father is alive—but it isn’t the father she knew.
Written by Tracy Blom
Determined to find the ‘right version’ of her dad, she embarks on a journey to find him. That’s where the reader comes in. Each decision leads to a different reality, and it’s up to the reader to find the right one. Each reality promises encounters with real women who made a difference in history, including pilots, code-breakers, spies, WW2 Heroes, and legendary performers.”
Comps
• The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Multi-Verse Comics & Movies
• A Wrinkle in Time
CHAPTER 4
artists open to commission
Abi Fox
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Abi Fox is a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator who is always making, feeling, and finding meaning. Inspired by a childhood full of diverse art and media, Abi wants to encourage creative kids just like her to express their wildest ideas.
Like any kid, Abi had a lot of questions growing up. The books she wants to create answer those questions in a way that is engaging and informative for kids, and reaches out to the inner child of the adult reading to them.
Alegra Daishelle Author
About the Artist
Alegra loves books and was a voracious reader throughout her childhood. She gained experience in storytelling in her 20s and early 30s, taking movement theater classes, attending acting school, and writing a solo performance piece.
At 35, Alegra contracted Lyme Disease and was bedridden for many years. During this time, children’s stories started coming to her. She finds joy in writing for children. Later, her attendants started bringing their children with them. Alegra spent time reading to and playing with their kids. She gained experience helping children navigate their feelings and emotions.
Living with a chronic illness, she has to constantly adapt to changing physical and environmental conditions, navigating bureaucracies, and other people’s schedules. This led to writing There’s an “A” In the House. She imagined a family adapting to their quirky house.
*Alegra chooses not to provide a portrait due to an electricity sensitivity.
Amanda Romanick
About the Artist Website
Amanda Romanick is a multi-disciplinary artist whose passion and education for craft began at the young age of 5-years-old when she was hand-selected for the Talented Arts Program in her hometown parish and she began to focus heavily on creative education and outlets, like drawing and painting. Amanda is also a mom of a young child and felt the need to do her to create more balance between natural engagement and screen use.
• Fontaine the Pidgeon Starts a Revolution (2023) – Illustrator
Illustrator
Britt Gondolfi
Author
About the Artist
She had an alligator for a pet as a child. Her grandfather was the captain of the Creole Queen steamboat that sails down the Mississippi river in Louisiana. She spent her Mardi Gras at her great grandma’s house on Magazine Street. Using only a lonely planet book, she traveled to India solo at 18 before smartphones were a thing. If Lake Ponchatrain was a clock, she claims her home is six o clock to midnight. Britt. Gondolfi is an “elder millennial” stone soup. Like any true millennial worth her salt: she has almost as many jobs as she has hobbies: law student, waitress, research assistant, project coordinator for the Bioneers, solo gig musician, a teacher at the School of Rock, and most importantly: mother. Concerned over how her cell phone was taking her attention away from her child, she wrote: “Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution” as an urban legend joke for her daughter. Now, if she ever gets too caught up in her phone, her 6-year-old will politely remind her, “mom you better put that away before a bird poops on it.”
• Fontaine the Pidgeon Starts a Revolution (2023) – Author Website Instagram
Author
About the Artist
Carina Ho’s debut picture book, Mighty Mara, is about a girl who uses a wheelchair and doesn’t let it stop her from doing what she loves—dancing. For her story, Carina drew from her own lived experience of becoming disabled and joining a dance company. Having trained to dance prior to her disabling injury, she had until that time only understood dance from an able- bodied perspective.
Becoming a dancer in a wheelchair forced her to reshape her idea of who should be allowed on stages and how to react when others don’t understand the concept of someone in a wheelchair dancing. She hopes young readers—with and without disabilities— come away from her work seeing the value of being committed to pursuing what they love. When she isn’t writing, Carina is a musician and music producer who performs under the moniker ONIKHO.
Carina Ho
Mighty Mara (2023) –
Author
Dac Trung
Tran Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
A cubicle-bound office worker by day and illustrator by night, Trung specialise in visual storytelling for children’s literature. Trung nurtures his creative soul by drawing colorful scenes for children books for various publishers around the world. Trung’s books have been published in US, UK, Singapore, Vietnam and China.
Trung’s published children books include ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, a collaboration with Singapore Hospice Council that talks about the sensitive topic of end-of-life care and ‘The Stars that Shine for You’, published by Global Publishing House (US) to help children learn how different cultures around the world cope with the passing of their loved ones. Most of Trung’s works other works are children picture books depicting Asian folklores and cultures.
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Website
Gloria Day is a writer and illustrator who lives in St. Louis, MO. She taught at the early childhood and elementary school levels for nearly a decade before deciding to take on the role of full time caregiver for her mother in 2020. She holds a B.A. in English, but the only formal training she has had as an artist came through a few design courses she took because of her love for drawing.
She has self-published two children’s books: Phoebe the Photographer and a children’s poetry book titled Eighteen People Changed the World. It Will Change You for the Better is her most recent publication. Gloria has also provided illustrations for selfpublished authors. Her most recent illustration credit is Dreaming of Atlanta with Arcadia Publishing.
Gloria Day
Grace Kegel
Illustrator
About the Artist Instagram Website
Grace Kegel is a visual storyteller interested in design, illustration, and sequential work. She has always loved the medium of comics and draws influence from animation and film. Her experience in comics thus far consists of cover and interior illustrations for a children’s comic book titled The Last Breath made for Each Story Matters. She has also done commissions for other personal comic projects. Being able to bring her stories to an audience that resonates with them is all she’s ever dreamed of doing with her career.
Janeen Jackson
About the Artist
Work Samples
Janeen Jackson is an educator, artist, author, and community activist with a passion for equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice. Janeen Jackson lives in Evanston, IL, with her husband, Ron Clark, and their two sons, Tyson and Phoenix. She is the author of Hello Sweet Baby: An Adoption Journey.
Author
• Hello, Sweet Baby!
Jesse Byrd
Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Jesse Byrd is an award-winning and international children’s book creator who has supported the development of 60+ children’s books and transformed 250+ kids into published authors in past 3 years. He’s a top-selling literary agent for 2022 and has held former roles at Google, Ernst & Young, NBA.
Jessica Pomales
Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Jessica Alamo Pomales was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago. Young Jessica navigated the world as a first-generation immigrant, who learned English as a second language in the Chicago Public School system. Her passion for diversity in children’s literature is driven by this experience.
A writer since grade school, Jessica was an imaginative child who created fanciful tales that centered herself as the protagonist of every story since lead characters at the time weren’t reflections of her or her community. She aims to create stories so that Afro-Latinx kids can see themselves represented in her writing. In addition to being an author, Jessica is an ordained minister whose dedication to her community fueled her drive for faith- based organizing and advocacy.
But, her successful career in ministry has come to an end after being diagnosed with Chronic Pain Syndrome and an autoimmune disorder. Now, Rev. Pomales has redirected all her time and energy toward her love of writing and raising her young family.
About the Artist
Kruti Desai
Illustrator
Work Samples
My name is Kruti, I am a freelance illustrator & graphic designer living in Melbourne, Australia with my lovely husband & son. I have been working as a freelance graphic designer for advertising agencies, event agencies and design studios, for 10+ years, but my true passion lies in illustrating children’s books. Creating and illustrating stories brings immense happiness and purpose to my work life. I love to create a world full of colors, diverse and quirky characters which captures the emotion of young readers and help them connect to the world of storytelling.
Lau Moraiti
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
Laura is a Latina children’s book illustrator from Uruguay. She’d been a graphic designer for a number of years but started her illustration journey in 2017 after having her son. Her favorite mediums for illustration are watercolors and colored pencils because they help infuse life into the characters and worlds. In her digital illustrations, she’s committed to exhibiting the same warmth brushstrokes and handmade textures that come out in her physical art. She specializes in illustrated books for kids - including early reader graphic novels, bilingual board books, picture books and more. She’s worked with diverse companies like Paw Prints Publishing, In KidZ, New York Edge and Magical Corazón Books.
Malik Sickstein
Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Malik Sickstein is a native New Yorker based in California who dares to blur the lines between traditional and unorthodox writing styles. The multi-hyphenate specializes in children’s fiction and adult non-fiction, entering the scene by lending his pen to the Young Adult novel world. Sickstein’s debut children’s picture book, I Grab The Mic, served as an introduction to his unconventional rhyming-word schemes and themes of overcoming obstacles. Heavily influenced by his personal background as a recording artist and a clinician, The Howard University and John Jay College alum reflects the sum of all of his parts in each of his works.
Marlon McKenny
Illustrator/Author About the Artist
Founded by Award Winning illustrator, Marlon McKenney, Conscious Culture Publishing is a leading creator in African historical fiction and diverse mutli-cultural content. Leveraging 3D technology, CCP creates highly-detailed illustrations and animations that bring African histories, mythologies, and legends to life.
Matt Scott Fly
Author
About the Artist
Matt Scott Fly is a 7x Paralympic Basketball Medal Winner and accessibility activist. His non-profit, Fly Without Limits, aims to help as many people as they can pursue a life of fulfillment, regardless of their physical abilities. He is deeply committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from achieving their goals and dreams and actively works to provide resources, information, and opportunities to help people with permanent physical disabilities reach their full potential. His desire to create children’s books that inspire kids to strive despite the challenges of their circumstance.
Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Mikki Hernandez is an actress, voiceover artist, and writer. She attended UCLA earning a degree in Communications and works in film, television, and commercials. She is of mixed-race heritage and enjoys discussing culture and new perspectives on her blog MixedKids&Co. In her free time, she can be found dancing all night long or planning her next international trip. Mikki lives in Los Angeles.
Mikki Hernandez
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
Mónica was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Growing up in the vibrant island, she developed an urge to pursue art; from doodling on the desks of her high school to painting in watercolors. After graduating high school in 2017, she went on to Savannah College of Art and Design where she acquired her Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Animation and minoring in Illustration. Since then she has worked in all kinds of projects: Designing backgrounds for animated shorts; illustrating children’s books for many storytellers and publishers, like: Scholastic, Astra Publishing, SM Puerto Rico, and Marvel Press / Disney Publishing. Even having one of her artworks showcased in the Smithsonian National American Latino Center!
Mónica Paola Rodriguez
Monique Wray
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
Monique is a San Francisco-based, Miami-born, artist, animator, and illustrator. Her work is typically characterdriven with a touch of whimsy. Once upon a time, she modeled 3d characters in Maya and worked on VFX for commercials before returning to her illustration roots. She now incorporates those technical skill sets into the work she does today. Small’s focuses are 2d animation, illustration, narrative work, and GIFs. All with a pop of color, bold lines, and even bolder subjects.
About the Artist Instagram Website
Pablo Broseta is a video game designer and illustrator for Triple Cherry Studios in Spain. He loves creating comics, picture books, and animation.
Pablo Broseta
Illustrator/Author
Paige A. Mason Illustrator
About the Artist Instagram Website
Paige Mason resides in Central Valley’s, Fresno, California where she lives with her family of 5, and 5 pets! She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Art with an Illustration emphasis from the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. She is currently teaching elementary visual art, and on the pathway to receive her Masters degree and Single Subject credential in art. Other titles
Paige has illustrated include I Grab the Mic and I Love Everything About Me. Paige enjoys creating illustrations for stories that are influenced by joy, whimsy, and children’s imaginations.
Ray
Mendoza Landa
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
Ray Mendoza Landa graduated from SJSU in 2019 with a BFA in Animation/Illustration. He absolutely loves working in children’s animation and cannot believe he made my dreams a reality. Growing up, he didn’t have a lot of LatinX artists to look up to or a lot of shows where he saw characters that looked like himself. Ray hopes to show young kids of color that there are people that look like them working in the industry. He works along side creative individuals who want to tell new, diverse, and underrepresented stories to the next generation of storytellers.
Dwight Taylor, Sr.
Illustrator/Author
Dwight Taylor, Sr. is a TEDx speaker, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and international professional communicator endorsed by the legend of motivation Les Brown. As an educational consultant and effective communication coach, improving the culture and climate of groups, organizations, and companies is one of his highest priorities. His belief that better communicators equal better relationships has led him to coach individuals in the areas of personal & professional development, with effective communication as the foundation.
Dwight Taylor, Sr. combines a bachelor of science degree with over 20 years of experience engaging audiences across every education sector. The Golden State Warriors presented Dwight with the “Impact Warrior” award for his service and support of the Bay Area community. He provides inspiration and information to create healthy human beings for increased positivity, productivity and possibility.
About the Artist
Rev Valdez
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Work Samples
Rev grew up hearing scary and wonderful stories of Filipino folklore from his family and always felt a deep connection to mythology in storytelling. Born in the Philippines, Rev’s family moved to San Francisco when he was young and he’s spent most of his life in the Bay Area. Rev grew up watching his grandpa draw and was mesmerized by the scenes that flowed from his pencil. This is where he developed his loved for art. He tries to carry what he learned from his grandpa into his art today.
Roxanne Chester
Author
About the Artist Instagram
Work Samples
Roxanne Chester is a Black and Latina author based in Berkeley, CA. Her passion is creating children’s books that address empathy and humanity for the underserved and overlooked.
As a graduate of Berkeley Law School she’s worked in criminal defense, serving as lead attorney in over a dozen jury trials and as a litigator working with corporations and insurance companies in insurance subrogation cases.
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram Website
From an early age, Camila Sarra’s passion for painting and cinema has been the driving force in her life. Camila’s path led her to study film, where she directed various short films and participated in the creation of advertisements, films, and theatrical productions. Throughout this journey, she never stopped exploring and perfecting her skills in painting, which eventually led her to illustration, where she could merge her two passions naturally.
Camilla Sarra
Jihae Huh
Illustrator/Author
About the Artist Instagram
Jihae Huh was born in South Korea in 1984. She graduated from Some Institute of Picture Book School (SI) in 2020 and held a solo illustration exhibition in South Korea the following year. She aims to demonstrate emotion, connection, timelessness, and whimsey in her work.
