Los Angeles Region

Brandi Dougherty is the author of the New York Times best selling picture book "The Littlest Pilgrim" along with nine other Littlest stories. She’s also written the chapter book series Wild Fairies and Bark Park, as well as several other chapter books and middle grade novels. She lives with her husband and their two children in Los Angeles, where you can often find her searching out new coffee shops and taco spots.

Sue Ganz-Schmitt is an award-winning children’s book author, musical theater producer, SCBWI member, and a philanthropist. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. Sue has performed in "Rent" on Broadway, run marathons, and pursues other improbable and exciting challenges—as often as she can. Her books include "Skybound!", "That Monster on the Block", "Now I'm a Bird", "Planet Kindergarten", "Planet Kindergarten: 100 Days in Orbit", "The Princes & the Peanut: A Royally Allergic Fairytale", and "Even Superheroes Get Diabetes".

R.S. Mellette is the author of: "Kiya and the Morian Treasure", "Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand" and "Billy Bobble and the Witch Hunt". Prior to the Billy Bobble series, Mellette had Sci-Fi short stories published in the anthologies: "The Fall: Tales from the Apocalypse", "Spring Fevers" and "Summer's Edge". Mellette is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and a retired regional board member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Moni Ritchie Hadley is a Los Angeles-based children’s book author who draws inspiration from her dual Japanese and American upbringing. She is the author of "The Star Festival", a 2022 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, "Anzu and the Art of Friendship", and the forthcoming "Miso Magic". Moni is a former Bruin, home/hospital teacher, and a lifelong daydreamer and learner.

In an alternate universe, Lori R. Snyder is a circus performer—probably an aerialist wearing a lot of glitter. In this universe, she's had many different careers (none of which, sadly, are circus-related): marine biologist, fourth grade teacher, dancer, yoga teacher and studio owner, book editor, and writer. "The Circus at the End of the Sea" is her debut novel, with her next coming out in 2025. She is the founder of the Writers Happiness Movement, which offers free happiness tools to writers, and runs the Splendid Mola Writing Retreats.

Tim Cummings is the author of the best-selling coming-of-age novel, "Alice the Cat", published by Fitzroy Books/Regal House. It was chosen as an American Books Awards 'Best Book' Finalist for 2023 and received a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU. Recent publications include "F(r)iction", "Scare Street", "Lunch Ticket", "MeowMeow PowPow", "From Whispers to Roars", "Drunk Monkeys", "Hare's Paw", "Lit Angels", and "Critical Read/RAFT", for which he won the ‘Origins’ contest. He teaches writing for UCLA Extension Writers' Program, and runs private workshops.

When not writing, Vezna Andrews is either surfing with the dolphins, at the skate park with her son, or painting in her studio. An artist as well as an author, Vezna is especially proud to be a “soul surfer” mom sponsored by her local surf shop. She is excited to share her debut novel, "One with the Waves", with readers. Vezna lives with her family in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

Andrea J. Loney wrote the award-winning picture books "Double Bass Blues" (Caldecott Honor), "Take a Picture of Me, James Vanderzee" (Lee and Low Books New Voices Award, NAACP Image Award Nominee), and "Bunnybear" (ALA Rainbow List). Her recent books include "Keep Trying (Don't Give Up)", "Curve & Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams", and the "Abby in Orbit" chapter book series. Currently a computer science professor at LA Trade Technical College, Andrea lives in Inglewood, California with her towering stacks of children’s books, her devoted family, and their incredibly spoiled pets.

Mónica Mancillas is an award-winning author of books for children of all ages. Her work includes "Mariana and Her Familia", "The Worry Balloon", "How to Speak in Spanglish", "Sing it Like Celia", "Taco Tuesdays" (July 7, 2025) and "Leyendas/Legends" (Fall 2025). Her work focuses on themes of identity, culture, and mental health, while challenging the outdated tropes that have historically left Latine voices on the margins. She currently teaches piano in Burbank, California, where she resides with her husband and daughter.

Zeena M. Pliska spends her days immersed in the joy of 5-year-olds. She is a kindergarten teacher by day and a children’s book author by night in Los Angeles, California. A lifetime storyteller, she has facilitated stories as a theater director, visual artist, photographer, journalist and most recently as a short film screenwriter/director. Her picture book, "Hello, Little One: A Monarch Butterfly Story" from Page Street Kids was released May 2020. Her second picture book "Egyptian Lullaby" from Roaring Brook Press was released April 2023. Two board books in the Charlesbridge, "Chicken Soup for Babies" series were released in 2023.

Diane Browning’s star-reviewed picture book, "Signed, Abiah Rose", was chosen for the Amelia Bloomer list and was a Booklist Top Ten Title for Youth in both the art and history categories. Her new star-reviewed non-fiction YA title, "The Brontës of Haworth Moor", has received enthusiastic reviews from both the U.S. and the U.K. It tells the story of the talented Brontë siblings who wrote "Wuthering Heights", "Jane Eyre", and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall". Diane lives in Southern California. She is a member of the Brontë Society, and a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Glenda Armand was born in New Orleans and grew up in Los Angeles. Her entire career has revolved around her love for children, teaching, and writing. She was a teacher and librarian for many years in public and private schools. Glenda became a published author in 2011 when her first book, "Love Twelve Miles Long," was published. Since then she has published over a dozen books. She enjoys writing picture book biographies about people who overcame great odds to do remarkable things. Her latest books are "Night Before Freedom" and "Ice Cream Man."

Micky O’Brady is a pediatrician-turned-writer living in beautiful, dry Southern California. As a black belt in both Krav Maga and Judo, she loves to write YA thrillers with a romantic twist and kick-butt heroines, mainly because she wishes her life had been such an awesome mix of action and cute guys when she was a teen. Micky is the author of "The President's Daughter" and its sequel "Trial by Ice", published by Curiosity Quills. Her other YA titles, "Between Worlds", "Playing with #Fire", "Angel Down", "33 Degrees", and the "Time Warped"-series are published by Snowy Wings Publishing.

René Colato Laínez is a Hispanic educator and author of several bilingual/multicultural award-winning children's books. His books reflect the immigrant experience from a child’s point of view, covering topics such as cultural identity issues, the difficulties of learning a second language, and missing a loved one. Most of his books are based on his own experiences. He has a master's degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults. René is an elementary teacher at Fernangeles Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District.

Writer, editor, and book coach Maureen Charles holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut young adult nonfiction biography, "Music Mavens: 15 Women of Note in the Industry" (co-written with Ashley Walker) was released by Chicago Review Press in 2023. Her works-in-progress include fiction and nonfiction picture books at the intersection of social justice, kindness, and inclusion and a contemporary middle-grade novel. She lives in Pasadena, CA, where she shares an office with three feisty felines.

Janie Emaus believes when the world is falling apart, we’re just one laugh away from putting it together again. She is the author of the blended holiday picture books, "Latkes for Santa Claus," a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards, and "Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls," as well as the novels, "The Advice Columnist" and "The Time Traveling Matchmaker." Her essays, stories and articles have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites.

Molly Ruttan is the author/illustrator of "Something Wild", which received a starred review from Kirkus. She has three previous books, one of which, "I Am A Thief!" written by Abigail Rayner, also received a starred Kirkus review. Molly currently has three books forthcoming. Molly grew up in beautiful Hastings-on-Hudson, New York and holds a BFA in graphic design from the Cooper Union School of Art, NY. Molly now lives, works and creates art in the diverse and historic neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles, where she and her husband raised three talented (and now grown-up) children. She has an identical twin sister, (who is also an artist), plays drums, sings in a community choir and loves exploring all different kinds of art mediums, including making her own animated book trailers. Her life is full of music, family, friends and all kinds of pets and urban animals—even wild parrots!

Dedicated to illustration for over 10 years, Axier focuses passionately on children's books. Although he has also illustrated popular science books for adults, he has written texts for children's books. He has even published a book on scientific curiosities focused on awakening the curiosity of the little ones for science. Axier enjoys walking through a good museum, watching animated films, and reading a good illustrated story. He thoroughly enjoys drawing and painting whatever inspiration dictates at any given moment.

Seina Wedlick enjoys reading to the sound of pouring rain and considers herself an expert at pairing books with delicious snacks. When she’s not writing or working on special projects, Seina can be found exploring or spending time on the beach with her family. She also enjoys visiting bookstores and collecting postcards.