Authors and Illustrators Offering School and Library Visits

Kathleen Blasi crafts stories that feature quiet heroes. Milo’s Moonlight Mission lauds connecting with nature and one another, as a budding astronaut plots to create quality time with his busy mother—even if it takes heading outside in the middle of the night. Narrative non-fiction Two-by-Two: A World War II Friendship Story, releasing September 2026, is based on childhood allies who employ loyalty and acceptance—the perfect antidotes to anti-Japanese sentiment proliferated by the adults around them.

Judy Bradbury is an award-winning children’s author and literacy educator whose books open minds and hearts, initiate conversations, and expand possibilities. Her Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series for ages 7-10 includes The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek, recipient of the Ben Franklin Silver Award for Young Reader’s Fiction.

D.J. Brandon is a children's book author currently writing elementary and middle grade fiction. Following the release of Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows, (West 44 Books; 2024), Brandon's The Midas Trees (West 44 Books; 2025) became her second middle-grade novel-in-verse.

Susannah Buhrman-Deever is an award-winning author who writes books that are inspired by the living world. A former scientist, with a PhD in animal behavior, Susannah spent many years studying why animals do what they do. Now she brings her love of nature to young and curious readers through books that explore the battles between predators and prey, the importance of balance in ecosystems and the wondrous diversity of pollination.

Heather Harris fell in love with art at the age of five when her mother enrolled her in art lessons at their local museum. She pursued art throughout high school, but, like many artists, an aversion to starvation led her to pursue other interests in college. Nevertheless, she knew art would always be there, temporarily tucked away in a nice, warm corner of her heart.

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning, multi-published author whose books and articles invite children to explore the world outside their door. Her picture books have received several awards including Junior Library Guild and NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book, and The Pie that Molly Grew was selected by New York as the 2025 Agricultural Literacy Week book.

Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers. She began her career at the National Geographic Society and taught middle school for many years before becoming a writer. Alicia is now the author of 200+ children’s books, both nonfiction and fiction.

Rowen MacCarald writes fiction and nonfiction that opens minds to new possibilities and perspectives using humor, facts, empathy, and an appreciation for magic—including both the magical wonders of the everyday as well as the wonders of fantasy.

Dee Romito is an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers from picture books to middle grade. Her books have received starred reviews and have been featured in book fairs, museum bookstores, and Literati boxes

Tina Shepardson draws on her experience as both an educator and a parent to spark curiosity and wonder in young readers. A 33-year award-winning teacher and children’s author, Tina is passionate about inspiring, educating, and engaging kids through books. She is the author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds, a Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite - 2025, and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack.

Jacob Souva is an award-winning author/illustrator of picture books for children. He has illustrated many books, including The Boy with Big, Big Feelings (Beaming Books); Big Bike, Little Bike (HarperCollins); and Butterflies Are Pretty . . . Gross! (Tundra). His debut as an author-illustrator is titled Little Bee’s Flower.

Brian Yanish is an author, illustrator and maker. His books include the Shark and Bot young graphic novel series, Sweet and Sour, Pirate Chicken: All Hens on Deck and the recycled art building guide Junk Re-Thunk. He has worked for Jim Henson Productions, trained as a special effects moldmaker, written and performed comedy and designed home furnishings, apparel and toys.