Ms. Janis Abrams received her M.A. in Education from Adelphi University. Her work as a primary grade teacher for thirty years has given her insight into the relationship between loving oneself and the ability to learn and function as a successful person. When she shared her writing with classes and saw how it stimulated discussion about loving yourself, Janis knew she had to pursue publication. She continues creating experiences for children by writing and teaching workshops for Mindful Meditation and Tapping for Children. She belongs to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Laurie Angus is an illustrator and author of children's nature books. Combining her love of art and nature, she endeavors to spark children's innate curiosity and fascination about our world and become avid nature lovers and explorers. Laurie is a graduate of Parson's School of Design and the New School in NYC.

Neha Bajaj is a writer and disability advocate. Her first book, Noah's Intense Day, is a children's picture book that highlights sensory processing challenges in a kid-friendly and relatable manner. Neha previously worked in non-profit finance, and her journey with disabilities began when her older son was diagnosed with autism in 2014. Since then she has advocated for better access to education for students with autism. She lives in Garden City, New York with her husband and two boys.

Anthony Baldasare, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, has spent the last thirty-five years working on feature films and television shows as a member of the I.A.T.S.E. Local 52's Prop Department. Writing in his spare time, he's had one screenplay optioned and two others reach quarterfinals in the Nicholl's Fellowship of Screenwriting. My career has been unusual and fulfilling but I've discovered that writing stories for children provides a brand-new level of satisfaction.

Julia Barnes grew up on Long Island, New York. Her mother is Swedish and her father is American. As a child, she always loved reading and writing stories. After receiving a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Julia set forth to educate young children. She has a strong passion for teaching mindfulness and meditation and is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher. After teaching for many years, and working with young children, Julia saw the impact low self-esteem has on children. This inspired her to write stories that send a positive message to all children.

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I am a retired reading specialist and Literacy Acquisition and Children's Lit. adjunct professor for teachers. My husband and I have three grown children and five grandsons. I am a member of SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12x12, and Inked Voices, Vice President of the Lindenhurst Rotary Club and an advisor for our Interact Club (Rotary for teenagers). My 2015 Teachers’ Choice picture book, Sofia's Stoop Story: 18th Street, Brooklyn was illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Now that I'm retired, I have more time to devote to writing and visiting schools, both in person and virtually.

I am a Parsons School of Design grad and a former NYC textile designer, new to writing. I've always loved reading classic children's literature. For the past 16 years I've been a caregiver for my amazing, creative father. After he passed away in June 2022, I began writing down some memories, which led to writing and illustrating a children's story I conceived 20 years ago. I'm eager to pursue a new challenge. Archie's Adventures - Into Blunderland will be my first picture book.

Karen Bonnet began her career as an editor/reporter in the early 1990s. Today, she works in public relations and marketing through her business, KLB Services. Karen is a co-host of a television show, The Writer's Dream, which features local authors. She enjoys providing book discussions and workshops for schools, libraries, and book stores, based on

Patricia Brown is a retired ESL teacher and picture book writer. She is a member of SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12x12, and several picture book critique groups. She was thrilled to be named as a 2024 50 Precious Words winner. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, baking, gardening and spending time with her family.

Ann Carpentiere-Haimeck worked many years as a social worker on Long Island. Now retired, she is a grandmother who has always loved to draw. She was particularly inspired to write and illustrate books to explain important life lessons to her young grandchildren. Her book, “Peyton’s Mommy Works,” is her first published work.

Debra Carter is a creative writer living on Long Island, New York. From her earlier experiences of creating and starring as the magical children’s character featured in her Dreama and the Magic Trunk productions, Debra evolved the storylines of her mystical worlds to appeal to a more mature YA audience. Her interest in the spiritual realms is at the heart of her novel, The Dream Catcher and the Thirteenth Rose where her story navigates love across the borders of the afterlife. Debra is ready to query and navigate the world of publishing her work.

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Edwards is an award-winning author, illustrator, and producer of educational enrichment programs who has over 30 years of experience developing innovative ways to entertain, instruct, and inspire children. Jason shares his stories and interACTIVE adventures at venues from coast to coast, where his books and his whimsical shows have earned accolades at over 100 schools, libraries, and reading festivals. His work has received the Mom’s Choice Award for Family Friendly Media, the LitPick Top Choice Award, an endorsement from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and been showcased in the Children’s Book Council recommended reading list. Jason’s talents have been featured in all forms of media including the NY Daily News, WCBS TV, Talk of Connecticut Radio, Knowledge Quest Magazine, and Sirius Satellite Book Channel.

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Linda Maria Frank created the Annie Tillery Mystery series from her experiences teaching forensic science and her love of Nancy Drew. She likes to think of the series as Nancy Drew meets CSI. She is working on a third book and producing her local access TV show, The Writer's Dream.

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I have rhymed 17 children's books teaching different subjects. As a speech therapist and someone who loves to rhyme, I was motivated to put these messages together regarding self-esteem, staying safe, vocabulary and staying healthy. They are available on Amazon.

Bonnie Grubman is grateful to have fallen in love with picture books, to have worked in early childhood education and to have had the dream of getting published come true. (And Moonstruck ever since.) When she is not writing, she is creating pretty things with artful "junque" like wood, nuts, bolts, lots of paint and vintage mismatched china.

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Brian Heinz is a critically acclaimed author of children's books and an award-winning educator. He is also the founder of the Author/Illustrator events, an event that brings Long Island's finest authors and illustrators to their youngest fans. He also offers writing programs to school children and teachers. When Brian has a few relaxing moments, he builds historial model boats, and enjoys vacationing with his wife Judy.

Sue Henn is an elementary teacher who shares her love of reading and writing with her third grade students. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Adelphi University and a Master's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Stony Brook University. As a child she enjoyed writing creative stories. Her love of the craft was ignited while writing at Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Sue's favorite pastimes are boating on the sound, spending time in the Adirondacks and playing with her silly dog Winston.

For 27 years Tim Hoppey worked as a New York City firefighter

Kyle Horne is a freelance artist base in Long Island. He graduated with his bachelors degree in Visual Communications from SUNY college at Old Westbury and is continuing to pursue his goals with his first children's book. Art has been a big part of his life, ever since a very young age. He continues to incorporate that passion into his everyday life.

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Jacqueline Jules is a former elementary school librarian. Many of her books were inspired by her years of working with children. She is the award-winning author of over 50 books for young readers, including the "Zapato Power" series and the "Sofia Martinez" series. Also a poet, Jacqueline is the author of "Tag Your Dreams: Poems of Play and Persistence" and a middle grade verse novel, "My Name is Hamburger." Her books have been recognized by the Sydney Taylor Awards committee, the CYBILS Literary Awards, The Bank Street College Book Committee, The Chicago Public Library, The New York Public Library, and have appeared on state reading lists. https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyJacquelineJ/

Jennifer has been teaching ancient history to middle schoolers on Long Island for 23 years. An Ancient Truth is her first novel. In it, she has combined her love of Mesopotamia, clever mysteries and middle grade story-telling. Jennifer has also been published in Instructor Magazine and Writer's Digest.

Karenann E. Knotoff began writing at the age of eight. By the time she was fifteen she had won several writing and poetry contests along with the honor of writing a play for her high school drama club. The play performed to two sold out nights. In 2007, her first children's book was published. Karenann is married with two children. She is an accomplished flutest, loves to read, swim, ride her bike, crochet, needlepoint and spend time with her family.

JoAnn Vergona Krapp is a School Library Media Specialist. Her articles on children's literature have appeared in numerous periodicals, including School Library Journal and School Library Media Activities Monthly. In addition to writing, Ms. Krapp is a watercolor artist. She resides in Farmingdale, New York, where she teaches writing and painting workshops for children. She is a member of the national Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Islip Arts Council.

Sandy Lanton, a former teacher, earned a BA in Psychology and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Queens College. When she isn't writing or visiting schools, she likes to crochet, play bridge, and read, read, read.

I am new to the world of children’s books. I taught art k-8 for 30 years, learning as much from the children as they did from me . My personal artistic style has been realistic for the past 50+ years, whether I am drawing from nature or creating allegorical pieces. I work primarily in oil or watercolor. Now that I am retired, whimsical watercolor illustrations for my first picture book are quite a leap and just plain fun for me.

Kiko Liang is a poet and writer with a magical touch for making words come to life. With her trusty keyboard and a sprinkle of imagination, Kiko crafts poetry and stories that transports the reader to magical lands, introducing joyous grins and may even bring tears of happiness.

Kiko's own adventure started when she was just a kid, discovering the wonder of poetry at a very young age. She found out that poetry isn't just about words; it's a secret language for expressing all sort feelings and emotions. As a result she crafted her first book, "I Am Me".

Joseph L. Licari (Joe) is a dedicated author from Saint James, NY who transitioned from a successful business career to focus on creative writing, music and children’s education. Joe is a guitar instructor at Guitar Center. His debut book, "Mia's Mouses", is a heartwarming children's story that introduces young readers to plural nouns through the adventures of a young girl and her mouse friends. Joe graduated from Stony Brook University and Hofstra University with an MBA. When he’s not immersed in writing or teaching music, Joseph enjoys spending quality time with his family, staying active, and contributing to his local church and community.

Liz Macchio is an illustrator/writer. Her illustration credits include Saddle Sisters: The Trail Ride, Paul's First Day of Preschool, and The Long Winter in Preschool. Saddle Sisters is her first attempt at authorship thus far. She used two of her four daughters as inspiration for the book and hopes to author/illustrate another one soon. Presently she works as an aide for handicapped children and young adults here on Long Island.

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Laura is an award winning, published author originally from St. James, NY and graduated from Smithtown High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Buffalo. Laura currently resides in Hampton Bays where you can find her on one of its many beautiful beaches with her family. The water, and her two daughters are her inspiration behind her books. Since her first book was published, she has loved presenting it to young readers all over, from schools, libraries, stores and community events. Laura is available for a presentation for your next event.

Melissa works with young children, and shares her love of reading, art and nature with everyone. Melissa's books teach that spreading kindness is easy to do, but can make a big difference! Believing in one's self is another message that is portrayed using sweet characters and rhyming stories.

Antoinette Truglio Martin is a children’s book author, memoirist, and blogger. She wrote the award-winning middle grade historical fiction series, Becoming America’s Stories: The Heart of Bakers and Artists, The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers, and The Wishes of Sisters and Strangers. Her latest work is Famous Seaweed Soup (new edition).

Barbara Mason Rast is an artist whose interest in illustration began in early
childhood.
The works of Maxfield Parrish, Arthur Szyk, and Arthur Rackham were some of the Golden Age Illustrators who inspired her to experiment with her own inner
vision of realism combined with magical elements.
She is a published Author/Illustrator, Commercial and Fine Artist, working primarily
in oils and digital media.
The main objective in her visual art and writing is to convey a sense of beauty and
harmony, humor and phantasmagoria -- magical and dreamlike worlds.

Amy brings disability awareness to light in her children's novels. A former teacher for 15 years, Amy is now a visiting author and disability educator. Amy gives presentations
at elementary schools all over the country, both virtually and in person Her goal is to help elementary aged students better understand disabilities, specifically autism. Follow Amy's book series on FaceBook and Instagram @ Little Big Sister Book

Donna McNaughton is a former legal secretary living on Long Island, New York, with her husband Ken. They have two married daughters, with wonderful husbands, and two terrific grandsons. For many years, she volunteered at church and school and has worked with preschoolers through a music and movement program called "Play Hooray" offered at public libraries throughout Long Island. "Learn Along With Lily" is her first picture book.

Jerry’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Herald, The Gotham Center History Blog, and the 2010 Encyclopedia of New York City. His biography America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights was published in 2020. His short stories have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, BULL, Cowboy Jamboree, and Gravel Magazine as well as other journals. His MG/YA historical novel, The Whaler's Daughter was published by Regal House in 2021.

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Lisa Muchnik is a children’s book author, nurse anesthetist, mother of two, and certified yoga instructor, with a specialty in aerial yoga. Having a lifelong desire to write books for kids and a love for yoga and the chakras, it was only natural she would bring these aspects together in her debut children’s book Rainbow Panda. She is a believer in the power of passion and dreams. She loves caring for and connecting with people in all aspects of her life - her children, her patients, her yoga students, and now her readers! Follow her on Instagram @lisamuchnik

I have been writing since the early 90’s mostly short stories to entertain and to ease the anxieties of young children and to help children understand kindness and consideration of other’s makes school and life so much better. https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/gretchen-napolitano

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Frances Marie Alvarado-Ng, BS MSW, she is a graduate of New York University’s Silver School of Social Work with specialized training in clinical practice with adolescents and child and family therapy. She was inspired to write her first children’s book series to spread a message of hope to kids with celiac disease and food allergies. Each book in the series features a character facing food allergies and the challenges it brings. Coming soon!!! Her mission is to help children and their families raise awareness about the disease and other food allergies.

Jill-Lynnette is former Long Island elementary educator with fourteen years of experience along with a master’s degree in reading. As a classroom educator, Jill provided effective strategies to students with anxiety, ADHD, and other health impairments. Currently, she is a stay-at-home mom, caring for her son and daughter alongside her husband. At the same time, she is following her passion in advocating for mental health through her writing. Now, Jill finds herself back in the classroom, presenting and initiating meaningful conversations among students and their peers through shared experiences.

If you played some old-school Hip-Hop beats over a collaboration between Stan Lee (Marvel Comics), Chuck Jones (Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies), and Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), the delightfully funny, funky- fresh, and captivating result would be Rodro Books. Paul Rodriguez ‘Rodro’ is the creative mind and author/illustrator of Rodro Books and Education. His award-winning children’s books provide the foundation for his arts-infused SEL programs and community outreach. These projects range from Sumatra to San Juan, and Rodro’s work has been featured in shows from New York to New Orleans. His art and stories are a celebration of life that crosses over and connects kids from all corners of the globe.

Darren Sardelli is a humorous poet who knows how to get kids excited about poetry. He’s been invited to speak at over 800 schools and libraries, nationwide, where he’s transformed reluctant readers and writers into poetry fanatics. His poems have been featured on Radio Disney, in bestselling books on the Scholastic Book List, and appear in 25 children’s books in the U.S. and UK. Darren’s school visits make poetry fun, entertaining, and engaging for students of all ages.

Marianne Savage, a self-taught artist, authored and illustrated two award-winning children's books in 2019. Other previous illustrations and covers include five books in the Annie Tillery mystery series for teens written by Linda Maria Frank. Working by day as a designer of needlework arts, her designs can be found in shops all over the globe. When not writing or drawing, she enjoys singing in an a cappella women's chorus and is the founding member of a sandwich making group for homeless shelters for over 20 years. She is looking forward to sharing more of her stories and art in the future.

Joseph E. Scalia was born in Brooklyn, New York and taught English and Creative Writing on Long Island to reluctant junior/high school students for 33 years. He has written and published two novels for young adults (FREAKS and Pearl) and he completed several books of short stories (Scalia vs The Universe, Brooklyn Family Scenes and No Strings Attached). In addition to Pee Father and the Ear Wax Elf, a picture book illustrated by Jennifer Ball, he recently published Fish Story: A Modern Fable for Big Kids and Grown Ups and The Year That the Buds Didn't Come: A Tale for Pandemic Times, both of which he illustrated. UFSD 71: A School Novel is his longest, funniest book, his magnum opus that took over 40 year to complete! In addition to writing, he fills his days painting watercolors.

Annette Schottenfeld is the author of Obi’s Mud Bath, Obi’s Itch and Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma. She is passionate about writing for children, hip-hop dance, and environmental issues, believing all have the power to change lives. Obi’s Mud Bath and Obi’s Itch are partnered with Water.org, an organization which brings safe water and sanitation to families around the world. Born a Jersey girl, Annette currently lives with her family in New York.

Barbara Senenman is a writer for children. Formerly, she was a K-5, NYC elementary teacher with specialties in science, writing and reading. She loves to show children how to experiment whether in science or with words. Currently, she is an active volunteer as note-taker for SCBWI Long Island events. When not writing or reading, Barbara is researching genealogy and collecting postcards of New York and baseball stadiums around the US.

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Stephanie J. Shulman has a B.A. in Fine Arts and a M.S. in Elementary Education. Stephanie is a school teacher who has been writing children's stories and poetry as a creative outlet for many years. Her poetry was first published in "A Cascade of Memories- The National Library of Poetry". She looks forward to sharing her stories and inspiring her readers and listeners to laugh, smile, and connect through literature. Stephanie lives on Long Island with her husband and two children.

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I am a retired teacher, and in my "Life After Retirement" my twin sister and I became co-authors of "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" series. When she passed away, I wrote the 6th (and final) book of the series. I then went on to write my latest book (2020) titled. "A Penny From My Sister." This new book is very timely as it shows children and their families that even though you lose someone you love, they will always be with you. "Memories are Forever." I continue to service the children of Long Island and am now a mentor through a New York State program. I will always dedicate my life to youngsters!

Linda Taylor-Adebayo, is a 32-year veteran of the teaching profession. She was inspired by all of the “Amazing Annabelles” and “Daring Davids” she has had in her classroom over the years. Annabelle and David are a composite of those positive students that show a genuine love for school and excitement for learning. Linda wanted to capture the best of their positive character traits in both of her new series of chapter books to inspire and motivate students everywhere.

Eleanor Turino began her career in education as a reading and social studies teacher and had worked as a children's librarian in a public library setting. Several years later, she was fortunate to have the best of both worlds as an elementary School Media Specialist until her retirement several years ago. Children's literature was an integral and beloved part of her work. Over the years, she thought about her stories, wrote drafts, filed them, revised, and refiled. Here she is today with her two picture books and other works in progress! She is a member of LICWI and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. email: mauricethebook@gmail.com

Debbie Vilardi is the author of over twenty leveled readers, including Anne Frank Writes Words of Hope (Capstone Press, 2022), a graphic biography on a fourth-grade level. Her other publication credits include works for teachers, poems, and a short story. Most recently, she has been writing materials geared toward social emotional learning and inclusivity. She copy edits for Front Vision, a teen sci-tech magazine produced in China, and is LICWI’s treasurer and a moderator on the SCBWI Blueboard.