Benson Shum, Illustrator
Benson Shum is a children's book author and illustrator. He uses watercolor, ink and digital tools to create his illustrations. Both his books, Anzu the Great Listener and Anzu the Great Kaiju were selected as Kid's Indie Next List Recommended by American Booksellers Association. Anzu the Great Kaiju also received a starred review from School Library Journal. His book, Alex's Good Fortune was also selected to be part of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2 and Encanto. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.
Christie Megill, Agent at The CAT Agency
Christie Megill joined The CAT Agency in 2022 after interning with Writers House, Triada US, and Cardinal Rule Press. She’s overjoyed to be working with artists and children’s book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Christie comes from a background in elementary education and before pursuing education, she previously worked as an editorial assistant at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle. She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University. Born and raised in Connecticut, New York City is now her forever home.
Sophie Erb, Art Director at Penguin Random House
Sophie Erb is a book designer and illustrator based in New York. With more than eight years of experience in the publishing industry, she's designed covers and interiors for a wide range of award-winning books including children's picture books, board books, and YA novels. Currently the Assistant Art Director at Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, she spends her free time playing soccer, watching horror movies, and trying to convince her landlady to let her have a dog.
Isabella Kung, Illustrator
Isabella Kung is the author and illustrator of NO FUZZBALL! (Scholastic, 2020), about a fuzzy feline Queen that was described as an “expressive, endearing little chunk of well-meaning evil” by Kirkus Reviews. The sequel NO SNOWBALL! (Scholastic, 2022) introduces an adorable interloper to the Queendom! Isabella also illustrated over 120 cats for the board books 123 CATS and ABC CATS (Candlewick, 2021). Her illustrations have received accolades from institutions such as the Society of Illustrators, Spectrum Fantasy Art, 3x3, Creative Quarterly, and SCBWI. Outside the world of publishing, Isabella teaches illustration and watercolor classes at Storyteller Academy and Etchr Lab. Isabella resides in San Francisco with her husband and two adorable – you guessed it – cats! She is represented by Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary.
Diana Toledano, Illustrator
Diana Toledano is an illustrator, writer and educator. She is also a Pisces who loves books, patterns, and dancing her heart out. Originally from Spain, she now lives in California with her little bilingual family and two cats. Diana enjoys playing with different techniques to create detailed mixed media illustrations. She is fascinated by deep stories that offer every child a place of refuge and wonder. With a background in museum education, Diana loves doing school visits, teaching workshops for adults and speaking at conferences.