Illinois Lit Live presents Narratives in Bloom

Kelly Mangan is a queer, neurodiverse author and illustrator of picture books and middle grade stories. She is the illustrator of LIKE THAT ELEANOR (written by Lee Wind, published by Cardinal Rule Press), and the author of the novel MAEVE MULVANEY HAS HAD ENOUGH (Holiday House, 2025). While originally from the South, she now resides in Vermont with her partner and two kids.

Ruth Spiro is the author of more than 30 children’s books, with over one million copies in print worldwide. Her bestselling Baby Loves Science board books are the groundbreaking originals that introduce big ideas to the littlest listeners in an age-appropriate and engaging style. Ruth’s work has been praised by the Los Angeles Times, NPR, TODAY, Popular Science, Bank Street College of Education, Purdue Engineering, and more. Fans who have publicly shared their love of her books include Gabby Giffords, Chelsea Clinton, and Chance the Rapper. A frequent speaker at schools and conferences, Ruth’s previous appearances include Windy City Live on WMAQ-TV, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, World Science Festival, Chicago Tribune Printer’s Row LitFest, Children’s Festival of Stories, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG! Ruth lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois.

Ann Zhao is the Indie-bestselling author of Dear Wendy and a contributor to the upcoming anthology Being Aro. When she’s not writing, she works in youth and teen services at a public library, where she’s always finding excuses to put her friends’ books on display. Born and raised in Illinois, she lived briefly in Massachusetts for college but now resides back in the Chicagoland area. Photo credit: Emily Hou