Melissa Guion

Melissa Guion grew up in West Caldwell, NJ, and Baltimore, MD. Melissa has been a dishwasher, a photographer, a Macy’s sales clerk and a Vice President. She was once paid $10 to remove a dead possum from the garage of a US Supreme Court nominee. She is relieved to now be an author/illustrator.

Her debut picture book BABY PENGUINS EVERYWHERE! was selected for the 2012 Original Art exhibition at the Society of Illustrators.

Learn about Melissa on her website.

Tom Angleberger - Origami Yoda

Tom Angleberger is the author/illustrator of the wildly popular "Origami Yoda" books. Prior to becoming an author/illustrator, Tom describes his occupations as, "newspaper reporter and columnist, juggler, weed boy, lawn mower part assembler, biology research assistant (bug larvae and plant diseases). 

Tom says: “I’m not necessarily all that creative. I’m more of a puzzle putter together. I take all these little puzzle pieces — Yoda, middle school problems, Cheetos — and I fuss and fuss with them until I fit them together.”

His latest book, with his wife, Cece Bell, is Crankee Doodle. 

You can learn much more about Tom (and Origami Yoda) at his website.

 

Kate DiCamillo

Two time Newbery winner, Kate DiCamillo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, raised in Clermont, Florida, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She writes for both children and adults and likes to think of herself as a storyteller. Her book, "Tales of Despereaux" won the Newbery Medal and "Because of Winn Dixie" was an honor book. Her latest book with Alison McGhee is called "Bink and Gollie." Her book, "Flora Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventure" won the 2014 Newbery Medal.  Learn more about her on her website.

Jessica E. Young

Author and art teacher Jessica Young's first picture book challenges common assumptions about colors and celebrates individual perspective. MY BLUE IS HAPPY is an ode to colors—and the unique ways we experience them. The same things make Jessica happy now as when she was little: writing, reading, painting, dancing, music, picnics, the color blue, and her favorite jeans. Find out more at: www.jessicayoungbooks.com