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← Back to all Sandra Van Doorn Illustrator She/Her France, Canada, Australia, Western Europe, Northern America, Australia and New Zealand Sandra van Doorn was born in France and now lives in Australia. She attended art classes at Emily Carr University in Vancouver before embarking on her career as a children's illustrator. Her picture book Sleep Well, Siba and Saba was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year 2017. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @sandravandoornatelier W: https://www.sandravandoorn.com/ BOOKS BY Sandra Van Doorn Sing to the Moon View book Sleep Well, Siba and Saba View book

← Back to all Shiko Nguru Author Kenya, Eastern Africa Shiko Nguru is a Kenyan author and content creator, sharing her motherhood journey in the most genuine and beautiful way she can @ShikoNguru. The Intasimi Warriors is her debut middle grade series, inspired by her love of East African mythology. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’m the kind of person who makes a color-coded plan for everything. How would you describe your identity? Black, African. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Paper books. Tell us your favourite location for reading: On my patio with my children playing in the yard. Book title: The Intasimi Warriors series What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? I'm inspired by my desire to spread the beauty and rich history of African mythology. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? I honestly can’t choose a favourite character — each of them reflects a different part of me. I created a diverse range of heroes so that every child could see themselves in at least one of them. What themes or messages does your book raise? Self-discovery, inner strength, complications of masculinity, family expectations, self-sacrifice, empowerment, and friendship. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Bright, fantasy-rich, and heartfelt. Favourite illustration – and why? All. Connect IG: @ShikoNguru BOOKS BY Shiko Nguru Xirsi and the Final Battle View book Soni and the Life Drinkers View book Odwar vs. The Shadow Queen View book Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask View book

← Back to all Rosie Hedger Translator She/Her Rosie Hedger is an award-winning Norwegian to English translator. She completed her MA (Hons) in Scandinavian Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She has lived in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark before settling in North Yorkshire. Q&A Current job title: Literary translator from Norwegian to English. Book title: If I Were Prime Minister. Connect W: https://rosiehedger.com BOOKS BY Rosie Hedger If I Were Prime Minister View book

← Back to all Wen Hsu Chen Illustrator Costa Rica, USA, Central America, Northern America WEN HSU CHEN is a Costa Rican artist and architect who graduated with BFA Honours from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her watercolour and cut-out paper technique has earned her multiple awards, including the Grand Prize at the NOMA Concours 2008. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @zen.illustra BOOKS BY Wen Hsu Chen The Invisible Story View book

← Back to all Xinyue Zhu Illustrator She/Her China, UK, Eastern Asia, Northern Europe Xinyue Zhu is an illustrator and animator from China who grew up surrounded by tales, verses, and midnight cartoons. She has been shortlisted for multiple awards while studying for an MA at the prestigious Cambridge School of Art, UK. Q&A Current job title: Illustrator. How would you describe your identity? Chinese, She/Her. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: I love reading print books — I enjoy the texture of paper and the quiet focus it brings. Tell us your favourite location for reading: My green sofa chair in my living room/kitchen. Book title: Mama's Special Wonton Soup. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? The illustrations were inspired by my childhood in the Chinese countryside. My grandparents were farmers, and the close-knit village community, full of everyday labor and mutual help, shaped the way I imagined the scenes in the book. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? It’s very hard to choose, because I enjoy every moment and character the author has created — they are all so kind and full of warmth. If I had to pick one, it would be the scene where the little girl quietly leaves a flower for her grandmother. I have a personal fondness for quiet yet powerful moments like this. What themes or messages does your book raise? The book explores themes of family, care, and memory, showing how food can carry love across generations. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Quiet, poetic, heartfelt. What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations? I connected most with the sense of community in the story. It shaped my illustrations to highlight togetherness, warmth, and the bonds between people. Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations: Digital collage. Favourite illustration – and why? My favourite illustration is the last one. After a long day of hard work, all the characters finally gather together to enjoy the meal — a meal that, in fact, everyone has contributed to in some way. The moment feels both tender and celebratory. Connect IG: @xinyue.panda BOOKS BY Xinyue Zhu Mama's Special Wonton Soup View book

← Back to all Yashika Mody Author She/Her India, Singapore, USA, Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, Northern America Yashika Mody is a recovering management consultant. She currently lives in sunny Singapore with her husband, their two ever-hilarious and ever-sweet sons, and their playful Westie puppy. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I adore travelling and exploring the world - to date, I have visited 36 countries, with Russia and Morocco being two of my favorite travel adventures so far! Current job title: Children's Book Author. How would you describe your identity? A Singaporean female author of Indian origin. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Always and forever a print-book reader! Tell us your favourite location for reading: In my cozy bed with a hot cup of tea. Book title: Funcles. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? This story is inspired by my son and his love for his community uncles and aunties. I grew up in Singapore where calling elders in our community “uncle” and “aunty” is very much the norm. So when my son started to speak and understand language, I instinctively started introducing all the community members he met as “uncles” and “aunties.” This cultural practice has now become second-nature to him as he gleefully greets his Museum Aunty or Bakery Uncle. And so, I wrote this story in hopes that it helps explain something many children experience (and might be confused by!), but it also helps remind us that we are all part of a greater community and we always have the power to create our own families. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? One of my favorite moments is when the MC comments about having fake uncles and scribbles a giant "F" on his family tree title banner for FUNCLES. It feels like such a relateable moment of angst and frustration when something you thought was true all along turns out to be a misunderstanding! I love that this moment then serves as the turning point for his realisation that he actually has FUNcles! What themes or messages does your book raise? - The importance of community and found family: One of the themes I hope kids take away from this is that some family is relational, while some family is based on relationships. The people that care for us don’t have to be related to us--but help, kindness, and consideration can be extended from different members in our community. - Appreciation for workers in our community: Many of the uncles in this story are essential workers who are part of the fabric of our society and community (eg. bus drivers, taxi drivers, F&B workers), and yet are often times unacknowledged and undervalued. I wanted to portray a sweet and special relationship between the main character and his community uncles to remind kids that all members of our community are important, valued, and should be treated with appreciation and respect. Simple gestures like talking to our community members, greeting them, saying thank you – these go a long way in making a community feel more tight-knit and unified. - Cultural norms and diversity: FUNCLES explores the concept of a “cultural norm” (eg. calling elders “uncle” and “aunty” out of respect) and families/educators can use this book as a teaching tool to discuss the diversity of cultural norms around the world and how they differ across communities and regions. Using FUNCLES as an exploration of diversity will help kids see that different cultures navigate social interactions differently (eg. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory around individualism vs. collectivism) and open up conversations about the different cultural norms they themselves have experienced within their own families or during travels. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Playful, punny, heartwarming. Favourite illustration – and why? There is one particular illustration where the main character is surrounded by his Taxi Uncle, Fried Rice Uncle, and Barbershop Uncle after reminiscing about the special moments they share together. The illustration of all of them together is just so warm and tender, you can really feel the love and kindness in each uncle’s eyes and the adoration the main character has for his community. Looking at this illustration always fills my heart! Connect IG: @yashikamwriting BS: @yashikamwriting.bsky.social X: @yashikamwriting W: yashikamodywriting.com BOOKS BY Yashika Mody Funcles View book

← Back to all Lucy Rogers Illustrator She/Her UK, Northern Europe Lucy Rogers is an award-winning deaf illustrator. She has led a series of illustration workshops for young deaf people at the NDCS and at the Deaf Academy, and loves to inspire the deaf kids reading her books to be proud of who they are. Lucy lives in Oxfordshire, England. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: My spirit animal is an otter! Current job title: Illustrator. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: I love reading actual books because of the feel and smell of the pages. Tell us your favourite location for reading: My favourite location for reading is in bed or on the sofa. How would you describe your identity? Disabled/Deaf. Book title: One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? I was contacted to illustrate this book, and while reading the story, I could immediately visualise Ellie’s world. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? My favourite character would be Ellie – she is brave, curious, and beautifully human. What themes or messages does your book raise? My book raises positive themes for disability representation and self-acceptance. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Playful, vibrant, heartfelt. What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations? I connected most with the friendship Ellie has with her classmates. It guided the warmth and colour choices in the artwork. Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations: The book illustrations are digital, all drawn in Procreate. Favourite illustration – and why? My favourite illustration would be the one where Ellie and her friends are playing outside – it radiates joy and connection. Connect IG: @luce_illustrates BOOKS BY Lucy Rogers Ellie and the Marriage List View book

← Back to all Lucy Christopher Author She/Her UK, Northern Europe Lucy Christopher is the award-winning author of Stolen, Flyaway, The Killing Woods and Storm-wake. She is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, UK, where she has a PhD in Creative Writing. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I have lived in 25 houses and 4 countries. Current job title: Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, University of Tasmania. How would you describe your identity? British-Australian. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Audio. Tell us your favourite location for reading: Outside in the sunshine. Book title: The Queen on Our Corner. What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? I wrote this book for a few reasons. I’d been thinking about how there were lots of people who lived on the corners of my home town. I started to wonder about them and where they had come from, and what they had done before arriving here. One morning, I had a long conversation with a man who used to be a saxophone player but who had sold his instrument in order to buy food. I wondered if there were other homeless people who had been musicians, athletes, librarians, readers and writers. Then, a friend of mine told me a story about a homeless soldier who had once been a hero. I kept thinking about all these potential heroes – the kings and queens – around us. Could I stop to find out more? Maybe, even, help them find a palace? Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? The Royal Hound - everyone needs a doggy courtier! What themes or messages does your book raise? Homelessness, empathy, really seeing and noticing everyone. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Empathetic. Emotional. Curious. Connect IG: @christopher.lucy W: https://www.lucychristopher.com BOOKS BY Lucy Christopher Shadow View book The Queen on our Corner View book

← Back to all Laïla Koubaa Author Tunisia, Belgium, Northern Africa, Western Europe Laïla Koubaa is an author of Tunisian and Flemish heritage. Her writing is inspired by the 2010 Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia that protested against corruption, poverty, and political repression. She lives in Flanders, Belgium Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @lailakoubaa FB: @Laïla Koubaa BOOKS BY Laïla Koubaa Azizi and the Little Blue Bird View book

← Back to all Lawrence Schimel Translator he/él Lawrence Schimel is a Spanish/English author and translator who has published over 120 books. His picture books have won a Crystal Kite Award from SCBWI, a White Raven from the International Youth Library in Munich, and have been chosen three times for IBBY'S Outstanding Books for Young Readers with Disabilities. Q&A Coming soon - watch this space! Connect IG: @lawrence_schimel BSKY: @lawrenceschimel BOOKS BY Lawrence Schimel Letters in Charcoal View book

← Back to all Alkista Halikia Author She/Her Northern Europe, Southern Europe Alkisti Halikia is an award-winning author from Greece. Having studied Philosophy and Gallery Studies, she now works as a Museum Education Officer designing and performing educational programmes for pupils aged 4-12 years old. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I am not sure what a spirit animal is, but my birth flower is a daisy, symbolising innocence and purity. Current job title: Freelance Museums Education Specialist Tell us your favourite medium for reading: I prefer printed books. Tell us your favourite location for reading: I like to read on a sofa or in bed but not late at night. How would you describe your identity? A Greek woman author, coming from a small country with a long storytelling tradition. Book title: Step Into My Shoes What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? I used to make up stories for my daughter at bedtime. This one grew out of those moments. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? The big hug of resilience between mother and daughter. What themes or messages does your book raise? To show empathy is something we need to be taught and reminded of. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Immediate, emotional, true. What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations? What I connect with most is the playful way the story treats empathy and understanding. Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations: Collage with photos. Favourite illustration – and why? The last one, which shows two girls of different backgrounds walking together. Connect IG: @alkistishalikia BOOKS BY Alkista Halikia Step Into My Shoes View book

← Back to all Arielle Dance Author She/Her USA, Northern America Arielle Dance, PhD is a Black queer advocate for invisible illnesses currently residing in New Jersey. Through her writing and advocacy, Arielle helps promote disability visibility, recognize inclusive family structures, and navigate grief and loss. Q&A Tell us something interesting about yourself: I am a tap dancer, but not sure I'm that good. Tell us your favourite medium for reading: Print and audio. Tell us your favourite location for reading: I love reading on our couch, lying on the chaise. How would you describe your identity? Black queer woman with invisible disabilities. Book title: Dearest One What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book? This book is in memory of my grandmother who died from breast cancer when I was 16. Favourite character or moment from the book – and why? The child. What themes or messages does your book raise? Ancestry, loss, encouragement, advice, nature. How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words? Poetic, affirmations, letters. What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations? Turn your face to the sun. Somehow Jenny captured my words so beautifully in her illustrations. Favourite illustration – and why? Turn your face to the sun. Somehow Jenny captured my words so beautifully in her illustrations. Connect IG: @DrDanceWrites BOOKS BY Arielle Dance Dearest One View book