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← Back to all Richa Bhembre Illustrator India, Southern Asia Richa is an illustrator from the sunny shores of N, India—powered by doodles, dreams, and an unreasonable number of dogs (the more, the merrier). When she's not drawing or daydreaming, she's probably vibing to music that makes her sketchbook dance. She creates art that’s equal parts whimsy and mild chaos—with a sprinkle of dog hair for authenticity. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: Hi, I’m Richa. I’m an illustrator from the sunny shores of Goa, India — powered by doodles, dreams, and an unreasonable number of dogs (the more, the merrier). When I’m not drawing or daydreaming, I’m probably vibing to music that makes my sketchbook dance. I create art that’s equal parts whimsy and mild chaos — with a sprinkle of dog hair for authenticity. Current job title: Freelance Illustrator. How would you describe your identity? Indian. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Books. Tell us your favourite location for reading: On my bed, with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Book title: Not specified. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? I take into consideration the people, location, and small details in the book before I start doing my research. Obviously, travelling helps in finding ideas and inspirations :) Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? Favourite character – Shoo – it’s cute, playful, and comes of help when required :) What themes or messages does your book raise? The importance of accepting and embracing a child's unique differences and nurturing their individual talents, rather than trying to force them to conform to societal pressures. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Vibrant, intricate, and fun. What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations? I connected with the people and location, and I was able to use my experiences to create illustration characters and landscapes that went with the book. Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations: Adobe Photoshop / Procreate. Favourite illustration – and why? I love the illustration of the police explaining the scenarios of where locals would have spotted Kabir… I think it’s very fun and intricate, and I loved illustrating it. Connect IG: @richaa_14 BOOKS BY Richa Bhembre Flyaway Boy View book

← Back to all Shyala Smith Author She/Her Sri Lanka, UK, Northern Europe, Southern Asia Shyala Smith is a content strategist, author, and screenwriter whose stories center around navigating immigrant life and finding magic. Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Shyala now lives in London with her family. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I took two quizzes for this. One said Coyote, the other Hedgehog. I’m choosing hedgehogs because they’re adorable — and if anything gets too difficult, they can just roll away. Current job title: Marketing Manager. How would you describe your identity? South Asian. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: I still love the feel of a book in my hands. Tell us your favourite location for reading: We have window seats in every room — my favourite spots — perfect for taking breaks to watch the birds, foxes, and the neighbours’ cats. Book title: The Language of Flowers. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? We lived next to the main cemetery in Sri Lanka when my daughter was very young — too young to understand the concept of death. She would often see the funeral processions and ask me why they were carrying white flowers. At the same time, we were caring for our ageing parents. In trying to explain it all to her, the story began to bloom. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? I think mine would be when Mr Potter speaks about the parade dancers in Sri Lanka. I love that I was able to incorporate something from home. What themes or messages does your book raise? Grief. Belonging. Community. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Magical. Heartfelt. Spirited. Connect IG: @shyalasmith BOOKS BY Shyala Smith The Language Of Flowers View book

← Back to all Uje Brandelius Author Sweden, Northern Europe Swedish author Uje Brandelius worked as a journalist and press secretary in Sweden before becoming the frontman of chart-topping pop band Doktor Kosmos and touring sold-out concert venues for several years. The Playdate is his first picture book. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @ujebrandelius BOOKS BY Uje Brandelius The Playdate View book

← Back to all Tricia Seabolt Author USA, Northern America Now the owner of a business teaching English to Chinese children, Tricia Seabolt has worked in the field of occupational therapy and has tutored reading and co-led a summer club focused on empowering kids through play-based activities within the Down's syndrome community. Tricia lives in Michigan. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: Because of my love of animals, I became a vegetarian when I was about ten years old and I have not eaten meat since! Current job title: English as a Second Language Teacher. How would you describe your identity? Woman who loves God. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: I read on my phone using the triple, mega, jumbo font. I miss having young eyes and the feel of a real-life book in my hands though. Tell us your favourite location for reading: Reading in my bed made up with fresh sheets and a fan on full blast is the best! Oh, and don't forget a thunderstorm beating on the window! Book title: One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? One major source of inspiration was my editor, Katrina, and her adorable daughter, Sinta, who gave me a peek into what day-to-day life with Down syndrome is like. The other families within the Down syndrome community who took the time to share their experiences motivated me to make Ellie’s experience as authentic as possible. Also, my dear friend Joe, who is 22 years old and has Down syndrome, was an inspiration. I met Joe while tutoring at Gigi's Playhouse several years ago, and we have stayed in regular contact despite living a state away. Joe always sparked my creative juices and brought a smile to my face when I was in my worst writer's block slumps. Most importantly, I thank God for putting these incredible sources of inspiration in my life. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? Ellie will always have a special place in my heart. She loves the people (and animals) in her life with a fierce loyalty that I truly admire. And she certainly does not let having Down syndrome stop her from facing the world with courage and determination. When I encounter challenges in my personal life, I often ask myself, What would Ellie do? What themes or messages does your book raise? My book raises messages and themes including accessibility, inclusion, Down syndrome awareness, disability awareness, coming of age, and friendship challenges. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Playful, humorous, honest. Connect IG: @triciaseabolt.author W: https://triciaseabolt.com FB: @One Extra Sparkle, Author, Tricia Seabolt BOOKS BY Tricia Seabolt Ellie and the Marriage List View book

← Back to all Susan Schubert Author USA, Northern America Susan Schubert retired after thirty years as a Kindergarten teacher and currently enjoys her "second career" assisting adult English Language Learners and U.S. citizenship candidates. She lives in Maryland with her cat, Hannah. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect BOOKS BY Susan Schubert I'll Believe You When... View book

← Back to all Sonali Zohra Illustrator India, Canada, Southern Asia, Northern America Sonali Zohra is an illustrator of Indian heritage who combines her training in fine art, photography and design with her love of nature and philosophy to inspire her illustrative work. She is based in Salt Spring Island, Canada. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @danger.cat W: https://sonalizohra.com BOOKS BY Sonali Zohra The Great Henna Party View book

← Back to all Trygve Skaug Author Norway, Northern Europe Trygve Skaug is a Norwegian songwriter, vocalist and poet. He is one of Norway’s bestselling poets, with over 25,000 books sold and 77,000 followers on Instagram. If I Were Prime Minister is his debut children’s book. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @trygveskaug FB: @trygveskaug W: https://www.trygveskaug.no/ BOOKS BY Trygve Skaug If I Were Prime Minister View book

← Back to all Stella Elia Author Brazil, Southern America Stella Elia is a Brazilian children’s book writer. An art teacher with a Masters in Art History, she is also a founding member of Casa BabaYaga, a literary collective in Brazil. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @stellaeliamar W: http://farofalivros.blogspot.com BOOKS BY Stella Elia Old Man of the Sea View book

← Back to all Samuel Narh Author Ghana, USA, Western Africa, Northern America Samuel Narh was born and raised in Ghana. He loves to paint stories with words. Maisie’s Scrapbook was inspired by his young family. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Freda, and daughter, Merrit. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @s.m.narh BOOKS BY Samuel Narh Maisie's Scrapbook View book

← Back to all Sandhya Prabhat Illustrator India, Southern Asia Sandhya Prabhat, an independent animator and illustrator from India, has published nearly a dozen picture books. She also animates videos and designs e-stickers. She has worked on projects for Google, Snapchat, Wechat and Carolina Panthers. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @sandhyaprabhat W: https://sandhyaprabhat.com BOOKS BY Sandhya Prabhat I Am Brown View book

← Back to all Samantha Hawkins Author Samantha Hawkins is a poet and essayist. She is a contributing writer to MadameNoire.com. Her work has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now , a collection featuring stories and poems by African American women writers. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @forevertellingtales BOOKS BY Samantha Hawkins My Mummy Marches View book

← Back to all Rosie J. Pova Author She/Her Rosie is a multi-published children's author and school presenter whose mission is to inspire kids to believe in themselves, dream big, and follow their passions. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: When I was little, my dream was to become a runway fashion model. Current job title: Author / Writing Coach. How would you describe your identity? Bulgarian-American. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Physical books in paperback. Tell us your favourite location for reading: In bed, early morning or at night. Book title: Sunday Rain. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? A childhood memory of playing in the summertime rain. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? Elliott — my main character — because he’s based on me as a kid. What themes or messages does your book raise? Moving away, making new friends, using your imagination and imaginative play to help you through challenging transitions, the love of books and reading, the power of stories, the courage to step outside of your comfort zone, and winning with kindness. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Heartfelt, humorous, lyrical. Favourite illustration – and why? My favourite spread is the one where Elliott is playing with his new friends on an imaginative island, because there’s such joy in that illustration! Connect IG: @rosiejpova X: @RosiePOV FB: @RosieWrites BOOKS BY Rosie J. Pova Sunday Rain View book