Thailand

Ching Yeung Russell grew up in mainland China and Hong Kong. She began writing letters for her relatives at the age of eight and was inspired to become a writer by her desire to eat more dan lai (milk custard) a special treat she was once rewarded with for reciting classical Chinese poetry. Russell is the author of a series of middle grade novels beginning with First Apple, winner of a Parents Choice Award and the New York State Reading Association s Charlotte Award. Learn more about her at www.chingyeung.homestead.com.

Now with more than 60 books created for children, the award-winning author and illustrator is now recognized internationally with her books published over 17 countries and translated into 11 languages. Anna is known for her signature watercolor paintings and her inspiration comes from the simple little everyday things and her love for nature. Her bestselling picture books are Our Loves Grows and Princess and Fairy.

Caroline Jayne Church is a well-loved illustrator of children's books, and is the creator of many books for young children. Her adorable illustrations includes I Will Love You Forever, How Do I Love You, Giggle and many more!

C y n t h i a R y l a n t i s a n A m e r i c a n a u t h o r w h o h a s w r i t t e n o v e r 1 0 0 c h i l d r e n s b o o k s . S e v e r a l o f h e r t i t l e s a r e a w a r d w i n n i n g t i t l e s , i n c l u d i n g M i s s i n g M a y , w h i c h w o n t h e 1 9 9 3 N e w b e r y M e d a l .

C. Alexander London is an author of books for children and adults. In addition to the Dog Tags and Tides of War series, he writes the Accidental Adventures novels for young readers and books like One Day the Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War for older readers. When he is not writing books, he can usually be found walking around New York City talking to his dog.

J o n A g e e g r e w u p i n t h e q u a i n t r i v e r - t o w n o f N y a c k , N e w Y o r k . E v e r s i n c e a y o u n g a g e i t w a s a p p a r e n t t h a t h e h a d a k n a c k f o r a n i m a t e d a n d l i v e l y d r a w i n g s . H i s u s e o f f u n i m a g e s a n d s m a r t y e t s i m p l e l a n g u a g e i s w h a t m a k e s h i s w o r k s t a n d o u t f r o m m a n y o t h e r c h i l d r e n s b o o k w r i t e r s .

M i c h a e l N o r t h r o p h a s w r i t t e n s h o r t f i c t i o n f o r W e i r d T a l e s , t h e N o t r e D a m e R e v i e w , a n d M c S w e e n e y s . H i s d e b u t n o v e l , G e n t l e m e n , e a r n e d h i m a P W F l y i n g S t a r t , a n d h i s Y A t h r i l l e r , T r a p p e d , w a s p u b l i s h e d t o g r e a t a c c l a i m .

Internationally acclaimed picture-book creator David Shannon has always been an artist. At the age of five, he wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were pictures of David doing things he was not supposed to do and these words: No, David! the only words he knew how to spell! Many years later, when his mother sent him that book, Shannon was inspired to write and illustrate his now-classic bestseller No, David! His illustrations have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including The New York Times, Time, and Rolling Stone .

Matt de la Pena is the author of several acclaimed YA novels - Ball Don't Lie, Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, and I Will Save You - and one picture book, A Nation's Hope. He teaches creative writing at NYU.