School and library visits are a great way for authors and illustrators to connect with readers and the teachers and librarians who buy the books. Here are the Published And Listed authors and illustrators (PALs) in the SCBWI New York West/Central Upstate Region.
School Presenters
Kathleen Blasi
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
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
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.
Heather Harris
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.
Alicia Z. Klepeis
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.
Tina Shepardson
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.