SCBWI Westchester: Traditionally Published Authors and Illustrators Offering School/Library Visits

Diana Harmon Asher is the author of three middle grade novels, Sidetracked, Upstaged and Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz. Sidetracked, her debut novel, was an ABA Indies Introduce title and an ALA Notable book. It was awarded a Parents’ Choice Foundation 2018 Recommended Seal and nominated for seven state book awards.

Cathleen Barnhart is the author of the middle-grade novel, That’s What Friends Do. Although it is her first published novel, she has been writing her whole life, beginning with an illustrated short story called “Aunt Ant,” which she wrote in second grade. As a former middle school English and social studies teacher, Cathleen enjoys having the chance to be back in the classroom through school visits, and especially loves to talk with students about the writing process. Cathleen has a spouse, three mostly grown children, a rescue dog named Zeke and a cat named Scout.

Alyssa Satin Capucilli is the award-winning and New York Times best-selling author of more than 150 books for children, including the Biscuit series which has sold more than 54 million copies worldwide and is available in 12 languages. There are now more than 100 books in the Biscuit series. In addition to Biscuit, Alyssa has authored more than 50 books for children, including the Katy Duck series, the non-fiction My First Experiences Series, and many more. Alyssa also co-wrote the instant New York Times bestseller Willow the White House Cat with former First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Alyssa’s books have received the Washington Irving Award, the Garden State Award, the Bank Street College Best Book Award, and American Library Association Awards, among others.

Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of fifteen middle grade novels published by Simon & Schuster which have been named to many best-of lists, including the Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, School Library Journal’s Best Middle Grade Books, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. She is the 2024 recipient of the Rip Van Winkle Award, given by the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York, for “outstanding contribution to the world of children’s literature.” Her books have earned several starred reviews and have appeared on numerous state awards lists as well. A former teacher and lawyer, Barbara is a co-founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Nothing to See Here (October 20, 2026) is her first book with Scholastic, which will also publish Your Eyes Are Like Two Clouds in Fall, 2027.

Dr. Lorna Gonsalves has worked as a crisis counselor, university professor, non-profit director, and youth advocate. She holds degrees in Sociology, Counseling, Psychology, and Vocal Performance. Her life and work experiences around the world and especially in India and the United States have underscored the importance of storytelling, the arts, and collective action in envisioning and building a just world.

My husband and I have three children. I'm a recently retired Literacy and Special Education teacher. I’ve taught Art for my town’s recreation department as well as summer school programs for my school district. I’ve also done readings and picture book presentations in my school district.I’m also a minister with the Universal Church of Christ. I’m a member of SCBWI and The Writer’s Loft. I am fortunate to have had a picture book published by Richard C. Owens Publishers called My Favorite Place.

Aimee Lucido is the author of the middle grade novels EMMY IN THE KEY OF CODE, RECIPE FOR DISASTER and WORDS APART. She is also the author of the picture book PASTA PASTA LOTSA PASTA and chapter book, LUCKY PENNY. She got her MFA in writing for children and young adults at Hamline University and she lives with her husband, her daughter, and her dog in Irvington, NY. When she’s not writing books, Aimee writes and edits trivia and crossword puzzles, which are often published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Scientific American, and AVCX, among many others.

K. Marcus is the author of the picture book Frankenstein's Matzah: A Passover Parody. When she isn’t reading, writing or researching, you’ll find her outside hiking or enjoying nature. She has 2 children and lives in the Historic Hudson Valley with her spouse, cats, Westley & Buttercup, and new dog, Keeley.

Eric Rosswood is an author of picture books, teen nonfiction, and parenting guides. STRONG (Little Brown, May 2022), coauthored with openly gay professional strongman Rob Kearney, won the 2023 Stonewall Book Award Honor. Eric’s upcoming picture books include A PLACE TO DANCE (Charlesbridge, 2026), and FELIX FINDS HIS POLISH (Beaming, 2026). To learn more about Eric and his work, visit www.EricRosswood.com.