BiblioKid Authors
Author Rinda Beach
Rinda Beach is the BiblioKid author of ZOE’S SCAVENGER HUNT FUN. As a former second-grade teacher, she read and told stories every day to kids. Today, Rinda still substitutes to stay connected to the kids she wants to write for.
Rinda is also the author of NEIL ARMSTRONG’S WIND TUNNEL DREAM and LAKE FUN FOR YOU AND ME with Beach Girl Press. She learned to edit thanks to SCBWI classes and critique partners. Visit her blog and book review at www.rindabeach.com
Author Hannah Cohen
Hannah Cohen is the BiblioKid author of EZRA’S INVISIBLE BACKPACK. Hannah is an actor and creator based in New York City. She has worked with children her entire life, helping them learn and grow through various artforms. After struggling for years with mental health, and losing her cousin to depression, she was inspired to share this story in hopes of helping children develop positive mental health. Learn more about Hannah at ezrasinvisiblebackpack.com.
Author Shel Curry
Shel Curry is the BiblioKid author of THE BEDTIME STORY RACE. A mother of four and her children’s first teacher, Shel has been a professional writer for some of the nation’s top corporations for more than 20 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in business administration. Shel claims two states, Indiana and Florida.
When she’s not daydreaming and doodling, Shel enjoys reading, photography, and discovering new adventures. The idea for Ethan and Sophie’s Silly Adventures was inspired by her two youngest kids who were learning to read while at home as virtual learners in 2020. Shel hopes to inspire young learners and parents/caregivers teaching them to fall in love with reading.
Author Dede Dankelson
Dede Dankelson is the BiblioKid author of ROCK YOUR DAY WITH A SMILE. Dede is the owner of Pete’s Diary LLC, which began as a journal she kept after her oldest son, Peter, was born prematurely with Goldenhar Syndrome. Her “Diary” during Peter’s 102 days in NICU became a viral sensation in 2000 before blogs and social media existed. Today Pete’s Diary amplifies positivity and self-acceptance through music. Dede & Peter work to achieve this by offering motivational speeches, inspirational guitar performances, and positive online content. They were recognized as one of Music Radar’s 2020 Top Online Guitar Personalities.
Dede has extensive writing and speaking experience on topics related to parenting a medically complex child, special education, and other family and social-related topics. She has a B.A. in Communication and worked in market research before becoming a Mom. Dede resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband of 24 years and two boys ages 21 and 17. She enjoys walking their dogs and is an avid reader and fan of audiobooks. Connect with Dede at www.PetesDiary.com
Author Jannesy DeLeon
Jannesy DeLeon is the BiblioKid author of TAG! YOU’RE IT. Jannesy is a home healthcare worker and expert at adapting and flexibility, who was inspired by her two special needs children to write. She has a dream to write books where children can connect to a disabled main character and learn some important lessons along the way.
Jannesy was born and raised in the “Boogie Down” Bronx, New York and currently resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Besides being a supermom and writer, she spends her time focused on her family, fitness, reading, and chasing after their lovable dog, Sam.
Author Holly DiBella-McCarthy
Holly DiBella-McCarthy is the BiblioKid author of DILLY DUCK PLAYS ALL DAY. She has dedicated over 35 years to teaching children as a preschool teacher, an elementary special education teacher, public school administrator, and university professor training teachers how to teach.
Holly’s inspiration for writing DILLY DUCK PLAYS ALL DAY comes from her childhood pet duck, Dilly, who gave her the boost of confidence she desperately needed and allowed her to find her voice. Holly hopes to inspire the thousands of teachers asking for more stories that engage and excite children. Holly understands that a single book can have the power to grow courage and ignite imagination.
Author Anita Holmes
Anita Holmes is the BiblioKid author of SAFE! IN OUTERSPACE. Anita resides in Iowa with her husband and three kids. She spends her time helping in her kid’s school as a reading tutor and PTA member. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family. This is her debut picture book.
Author Brandon Holmes
Brandon Holmes is the BiblioKid author of SAFE! IN OUTERSPACE. Brandon is 9 years old and in 4th grade. He loves to play sports and video games with his friends and family. His favorite subjects in school are math and sciences. He has a great imagination and has been making up stories for years. This is his debut picture book.
Author Kara Kotecki
Kara Kotecki is the BiblioKid author of MAE & NAMASTE. Her passion for yoga and two young daughters are the inspiration for her book. Knowing kids need a way to tame their big feelings, she wanted to create a character and story children could relate to while having fun discovering the benefits of yoga for themselves.
Kara resides in Southern California with her husband and children. While she’s not working on her next book, Kara enjoys escaping into a great novel, cooking, watching movies, and going on adventures with her family.
Author Taylor Krumm
Taylor Krumm is the Bibliokid Author of LULU THE MAGNIFICENT. Her book was inspired by her passion for spreading kindness in her community. She believes that one random act of kindness can change the course of anyone’s day. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management, but writing has always been her passion. Taylor loves working with children. Being a big sister and aunt are two of the biggest joys in her life!
When she is not writing Taylor can be found with a book in her hand. Taylor is an avid reader, lover of gummy worms, and hiking enthusiast. She also enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and playing tennis. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Ryan, who has always been her biggest cheerleader. Taylor was born and raised in Minnesota and currently resides in Saint Michael, MN. She is a dog mom to the sweetest pup around!
Author Pattie Manente
Pattie Manente is the BiblioKid Author of BRADY & THE BACKYARD MONSTER. Pattie has worked in the healthcare field for 40 years in clinical care and leadership before retiring. She is the owner of Inner Coach Hypnotherapy, and works as a certified hypnotherapist and certified HeartMath coach. Pattie has worked with various age groups in navigating past fears and limiting beliefs to achieve empowerment. Inspired by this, along with her fur baby, Brady, she is writing BRADY & THE BACKYARD MONSTER for young learners. Her writing incorporates playful self-care habits, self-regulation, and resiliency, leading to greater confidence and self-esteem.
Pattie has two adult sons and lives in Burbank with her supportive husband and fur baby. She enjoys digging in the dirt, photography, health and fitness activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Author Tradara McLaurine
Tradara McLaurine is the BiblioKid Author of I WANT A NICKNAME. Tradara is a woman of God, wife, and mother. She is a three-time alumna of Indiana State University with two bachelor’s degrees one in accounting, one in legal studies, and her master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education and her certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship from eCornell.
Tradara finds inspiration for writing children’s books from her parenting journey and how she tries to explain topics to her kids. I WANT A NICKNAME is inspired by her daughter. She has a unique name and that is often mispronounced and one day she came home from school and asked for a nickname. Speaking with her made Tradara reflect on how she felt growing up, with a unique name as well and she wants to help other children with unique names. an author. She began writing children’s books for her two children. She loves spending time with her family, crocheting, watching tv, reading, and learning.
Author Tatyerra Mikell
Tatyerra Mikell is the BiblioKid Author of THE BIRTHDAY PRINCESS. Tatyerra is a Chicago-bred creative storyteller focused on creating positive representations of Black girls. With almost ten years of experience as a communications and marketing professional, working in spaces dedicated to creating a better world for children, she realized her passion for children’s media. That led to a career at Sesame Workshop, the creators of Sesame Street, and writing her first children’s book.
Currently residing on the East Coast, with sights on the West, Tatyerra looks forward to utilizing her skills as a storyteller and marketer to amplify Black girl’s experiences in the kidlit world.
Author Elizabethann Moore
Dr. Elizabethann Moore is the BiblioKid author of PUPPY LOVE. Dr. Moore is a clinical psychologist with a practice in Daphne, Alabama. She has always had a passion for healthy relationships and believes childhood lays the neurological foundation for our future well-being. As a practicing psychologist for over 30 years she has had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families.
Elizabethann’s plan is to write a series of picture books explaining psychological principles with appropriate coping skills. She intends to use the series to teach these skills at conferences and other venues.
Author Suzanne Morreale
Suzanne Morreale is the BiblioKid author of AMARA ON THE HUNT. She graduated college with a doctorate of pharmacy degree and worked for 35 years in multiple pharmacy positions. She is now retired and pursuing her love for writing, especially children’s picture books. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to travel to 110 countries and would like to use her experiences to share glimpses of the world and its diversity with young readers.
Her adorable, Bengal cat, Amara has inspired her latest story. In this book, Amara is a stray Bengal cat with a sense of adventure, who searches the world for a home.
Author Stephanie Mund
Stephanie Mund is the BiblioKid author of THE LOVE LIGHT. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two daughters. Stephanie is a first grade teacher who loves kids! She enjoys teaching children to love, show kindness and discover who they are meant to be. Her book was inspired by her students and her own children. When she’s not teaching, Stephanie enjoys hiking and being outdoors with her family.
Author Erin Mariah Murphy
Erin Mariah Murphy is the BiblioKid Author of HALFWAY HOME. As an international airline pilot, a dog mom, and an affiliate with animal-rescue flight services, literary seeds were planted. Currently, Erin lives in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with her husband and their adored rescue dog, Zeke.
She began writing about their unexpected yet undeniable bond. Erin put more pen to paper. She highlighted the less popular aviation-meets-animal rescue services. She aims to use her book to fundraise for rescue organizations that bridge the gap between lost and found.
Author Katie Purcell
Katie Purcell is the BiblioKid author of MOLLY’S BIG SCORE. Katie has worked with children with special needs for over 15 years and has been a pediatric physical therapist for over 10 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and loves working with children. Writing a children’s book has been a dream of Katie’s for many years.
Katie resides in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband and two children. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Author Jessica Quarnstrom
Jessica Quarnstrom is the BiblioKid Author of AVA LORAY WANTS TO PLAY. Her character, Ava LoRay, was inspired in memory of Jessica’s beloved friend, Savannah, who tragically passed away in 2013, and her Grandmother, Janet LoRay, who passed away in 2019.
Jessica is a busy stay-at-home mom of two young boys, Austin and Aiden. Writing a children’s book has been a dream of Jessica’s since she was a child herself. She currently resides in Otsego, Minnesota with her husband, Joe, her two boys, and their dog, Linc. She enjoys writing, scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Author Dina Rock
Dina Rock is the BiblioKid author of EZRA’S INVISIBLE BACKPACK. Dina, an elementary school educator for the past 32 years, has been sharing her love of literature with students throughout her career.
Dina believes the message of a story can empower someone to believe in themselves and speak their truths Experience in the classroom, working with children of all ages, coupled with the loss of her nephew to depression, inspired Dina to write a story that fosters positive mental health.
Author Victoria Stavlas
Victoria Stavlas is the BiblioKid author of AN ANCHOR TO ANOTHER LAND. She is newly retired and resides by the ocean in Kure Beach North Carolina and Fort Lauderdale Florida. She has worked as a mental health therapist after receiving a Bachelor of Art degree in both Social Work and English from Kent State University. She also completed a Master of Education at the University of Akron with a specialization in guidance and counseling.
Victoria notes her loves for the ocean, reading, writing, and children for inspiring the book. The focus of which is the importance of a child’s self-confidence and how to develop it. AN ANCHOR TO ANOTHER LAND is interwoven in a fairytale format for it to be both interesting and memorable as your family reads it. Her hope is to encourage children to develop good self-confidence.
Author Katie Storey
Katie Storey is the BiblioKid author of SOPHIE STANDS OUT. Katie is a blogger and podcaster, who has recently published Reading Tips for Parents on Amazon as an eBook.
She loves writing and has been blogging for a year. Katie graduated from BYU with her B.S. in Elementary Education and taught school for five years, and has been working from home in sunny Arizona, tutoring and writing, and spending time with her two children. They all love swimming and water parks and spending time outdoors.
Author Candace Valek
Candace is the Bibliokid Author of LOGAN & LILLY AND THE LOST TREASURE. She has always had a passion for writing children’s fiction. As a former Daycare Director, Kindergarten teacher, and mother, Candace has told children stories daily. She loves to get in front of children and read or make up creative stories on the spot using children’s direction on what the character will do or where the character will go. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and has an extensive background in photography; however, writing continues to be her passion.
When not writing, she is spending time with her family. She is married to a wonderful supportive husband and has seven funny, unique, talented children who keep her on her feet and busy. Her other passions include photography, crafts, sewing, and reading, of course. A little fun fact is Logan & Lilly is based on her real son Logan and his best friend Lilly (his doll).
Author Brooke Van Sickle
Brooke Van Sickle is the BiblioKid author of PIRATES STUCK AT “C”, HUMANS IN-TRAINING, & THIS IS MY CASTLE.
Brooke Van Sickle is an award-winning author of 3 picture books. She’s also the ARA for the Iowa SCBWI region and a member of IBPA, MiPA, & IPG.
When not writing her own books, Brooke teaches other aspiring writers how to write and publish kids’ books at www.journeytokidlit.com. Learn more about her on her website www.brookevansickle.com and connect with her on social @authorbrookevs.
Author Deb Wade
Deb Wade is the BiblioKid author of ALWAYS IN YOUR HEART. Instilling in young children a love of reading has always been her passion. With a degree in early childhood development, Deb taught school prior to retirement.
Deb resides in Omaha NE with her supportive husband and two dogs; her daughter and family live nearby. The inspiration for Deb’s first book comes from her granddaughters and she has two additional books in the early stages of development. Her hobbies include golf, photography, and volunteering within the local community. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family.
Author Katelyn Ward
Katelyn Ward is the BiblioKid author of DOG LOVE. Katelyn was born and raised in Texas. She attended the University of Texas, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as one in English.
She is an avid bookworm with a passion for fostering little bookworms. Inspiration for her latest book comes from her hopes to create curiosity in young children who have a soft spot in their hearts for the fascinating animals who share our planet. Katelyn currently lives in Texas with her four cats, and dog.
Author Laura Williams-Burke
Laura Williams-Burke is the BiblioKid author of A FRIEND FOR MILTON. Laura is a voracious reader and unapologetic chocolate lover. She is a hoarder of stickers and has a penchant for special stationery. She writes stories for the young, the young at heart, and old souls alike.
When she isn’t reading or writing, Laura can be found cheering on her hometown sports teams, volunteering, practicing yoga or listening to music. Born and raised outside Philadelphia, Laura now lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their two teenage felines: Milton and Bailey.
BiblioKid Illustrators
Illustrator Gabriela Dieppa
Gabriela Dieppa is the BiblioKid illustrator of PIRATES STUCK AT “C” & THIS IS MY CASTLE. Gabriela Dieppa lives in Argentina. She works in graphic design but is now fulfilling her dream to become an editorial illustrator. Gaby likes to think of herself as a pirate always looking for a treasure called knowledge! You can learn more about her at GabyDieppa.com.
Illustrator Maggie Glisan
Maggie Glisan is the BiblioKid illustrator of MOLLY’S BIG SCORE. Maggie is a freelance illustrator, editor, designer, and owner of Oh Hey Magpie, LLC.
After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri in 2007, Maggie spent nearly 13 years at Better Homes & Gardens magazine as a graphic designer, art director, and eventually food editor. In 2020, Maggie left her full-time career in magazine publishing to freelance for a variety of food publications and expand her small illustration business, Oh Hey Magpie, finally pursuing a lifelong passion for whimsical art and entertaining inspiration. Maggie lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband Justin and rescue pup George.
Illustrator Ashley Idell
Ashley Idell is an art educator and freelance artist that resides in Colorado. While teaching, she earned her Master’s in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design. In her free time, she loves playing her ukulele and snuggling with her two beautiful dogs. You can learn more about Ashley and her art at www.ashleyidell.com.
Illustrator Olena Kharkovenko
Оlena Kharkovenko is the BiblioKid illustrator for BRADY & THE BACKYARD MONSTER. Born in Ukraine, she currently resides and works in Greece. Olena graduated from Art School with a major in painting, she also graduated from the University as a historian.
Olena has been working as an illustrator for 14 years. She currently works with publishers and private clients all around the world. Her portfolio includes about 20 illustrated children’s books. Olena takes pride in her attention to detail and loves creating art for children.
Illustrator Tim McGee
Tim McGee is the BiblioKid illustrator of ALWAYS IN YOUR HEART. He is a freelance designer/illustrator, living just North of San Francisco in wine country. Starting out pursuing fine art, his career shifted to commercial graphic design and finally to illustration. He has created images for several kid-friendly projects, books, and greeting cards. He has a long-time interest in Victorian art and has written many articles and reviews for an art history society based in England.
Illustrator Antonio Pahetti
Antonio Pahetti is the BiblioKid illustrator of SAFE! IN OUTERSPACE. Antonio is an illustrator from Ukraine. He started drawing at an early age and studied art at the School of Fine Arts. After high school, he continued his education at the Art Academy. Now, Antonio works as an independent artist with authors from all around the world. Books with his illustrations have been published in the USA, UK, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
Illustrator Marižan (Maja) Ranisavljev
Marižan (Maja) Ranisavljev is the BiblioKid illustrator of THE LOVE LIGHT. Marižan is a theatre costume designer and an illustrator who enjoys creating for those who cherish the imaginative playful spirit. She had first started a career as an illustrator for archaeological sites, and later drew sketches based on ancient treasure that could be found in the soil.
In her works she discovered that when telling a story using a child’s voice and perspective, an adult was more immersed, and as though by magic paid more attention, while learning important lessons. Even today she recalls the scenes from her childhood and recreates the fragments of places and people and applies them in her work.
Illustrator Anthony Richichi
Anthony Richichi is the BiblioKid illustrator of ANCHOR TO ANOTHER LAND. Anthony is an award-winning painter and illustrator out of upstate New York who has showcased his work throughout the country in art museums and with national art magazines. As a gallery director Anthony works with the Adirondack Theatre Festival and Adirondack Film Festival, as well as the annual GEM Festival, where he stands as art director and co-founder.
Working as a visual artist in the Film and music industry is also a passion of Anthony’s. His original artwork has also appeared in three feature-length movies, two short films, and over a dozen licensed trading card sets. Anthony currently resides in his Adirondack art studio surrounded by books, musical instruments, and lots and lots of paintings.
Illustrator Gaspar D. Sabater
Gaspar D. Sabater is the BiblioKid illustrator of EZRA’S INVISIBLE BACKPACK & THE ADVENTURES OF LOGAN & LILLY. Gaspar graduated from the visual art school in Mar del Plata as a professional illustrator. He also studied with artists in the comic and graphic industry which provided him an opportunity to reach and develop children’s imagination and creativity through art. While working as a penciler for a comic publishing house, he realized his passion was communicating with kids in the creative language of art.
Illustrator Elizabeth Savanella
Elizabeth Savanella is the BiblioKid illustrator of HUMANS IN-TRAINING. Elizabeth is an illustrator based in the Hudson Valley region just north of New York City. She can be found sipping coffee while drawing at the local dog park as she aspires to fulfill her dream of petting all the dogs. Visit her website ESprints.com to learn more.
Illustrator Kellie Steinbeigle
Kellie Steinbeigle is the BiblioKid illustrator of SOPHIE STANDS OUT. Kellie is a Utah-based illustrator whose art focuses on playful and imaginative scenes in the lives of children. She studied illustration at Brigham Young University under the tutelage of professional artists Robert Barrett, Richard Hull, and Greg Newbold, graduating in 2012. While her illustrations are primarily based in watercolor, Kellie loves exploring new mediums and acquiring new skills.