Our Authors & Illustrators
Norma Davids is an actor, director, and foodie. She grew up loving theater, pizza, and baseball. After she lost her left hand, she learned to single-handedly type and bake lasagna. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, was Artistic Director of her own acting school, and is a former high school drama, speech, and creative writing teacher. She was born in New York and lives in Florida, where she enjoys reading, writing, and cooking spaghetti.
Co-author of Henry Waddleson's Field of Dreams (Spring 2027)
Stacy B. Davids, Ph.D. is an author and licensed psychologist who works as a school psychologist. She’s also a former special education teacher. Her gender identity-affirming picture book, Annie's Plaid Shirt, and adorable, consent-themed picture book, Simon the Hugger; both won Silver in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. Stacy lives in Florida and loves cats, sloths, and chocolate. Learn more about Stacy at www.stacybdavids.com.
Co-author of Henry Waddleson's Field of Dreams (Spring 2027)
John Steven Gurney is the author and illustrator of Dinosaur Train, The Bossy Pirate, and the Fuzzy Baseball graphic novel series. He has illustrated over 140 books for children, including the original A to Z Mysteries, Bailey School Kids, and Calendar Mysteries series. He received a BA in Illustration from Pratt Institute and an MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford. John grew up in Langhorne Pennsylvania reading Dr. Seuss books and watching Bugs Bunny cartoons. As he grew older his reading material shifted to Mad Magazine, and then to JRR Tolkein (but he never stopped watched Bugs Bunny cartoons). He teaches illustration at Kutztown University. Learn more about John at www.johnstevengurney.com.
Illustrator of Henry Waddleson's Field of Dreams (Spring 2027)
Erin Fennell is a librarian turned writer. She enjoys discovering new worlds and fanciful creatures in her imagination. Erin lives in Miami, Florida surrounded by many plants and animals, and moonlights as a professional tango dancer.
Author of Tango Man: The Musical Life of Astor Piazzolla (Fall 2027)
Martina Peluso grew up in Italy where she studied the art of printing at the Institute of Art. She also took courses in illustration at Sarmede and Pavia. Later, she moved to Edinburgh, where she now lives. She has worked in all areas of illustration including advertising, packaging, editorial and design. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the world. Martina is represented by Advocate Art Inc. https://www.advocate-art.com/martina-peluso
Illustrator of Tango Man: The Musical Life of Astor Piazzolla (Fall 2027)
Medeia Sharif Medeia Sharif was born in New York City and presently calls Miami her home. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, she found her niche writing picture books, short stories, and novels for young people. Her books include Remembering Mom's Kubbat Halab (Albert Whitman, 2022) and Frizzy Haired Zuzu (Magination Press, winner of the 2023 Gwen P. Reichert Gold Medal for Young Children’s Literature). In addition to being a published author, she’s a public-school teacher. Learn more about Medeia at www.medeiasharif.com
Author of Curse on the Miami River: Legend of the Sneaker Guru (Summer 2028)
Angela Quezada Padron is a Latina author-illustrator who spent her childhood days writing stories and doodling on the garage walls of her New Jersey home while enjoying summers visiting family in the Dominican Republic. Angela has always been a Renaissance woman who wears several hats, including as an educator, curriculum developer, fine artist, musician and novice fashion designer, just to name a few. Her books include: As the Seas Rise (Simon & Schuster, 2024); From the Fields to the Fight (Simon & Schuster, 2026); An Island Called Home (Eerdman's, 2026); Lucia's Goals (Lee & Low, 2026); and Sisters All the Time (Charlesbridge, 2026). When she's not working, you can find Angela observing wild dolphins and collecting seashells, singing along to Lady Gaga, playing baseball, or binging on Star Wars. Learn more about Angela at www.angelapadron.com.
Author of Diamonds and Curls (Spring 2027) and The Colors of My Rainbow (Fall 2027)
Thornton W. Blease wants to live in a world where horses, and dragons roam free and everyone can reach their fullest potential. He grew up spending time in an animal hospital and shelter where he learned about love, devotion, and advocating against animal cruelty. As a teen, Thornton won 26 gold keys and three national titles from Scholastic’s Teen Art and Writing Awards, and was published in Scholastic’s Teens’ Best Writing. As an adult, he has been published in The Underground, River of Words, Rewriting the Past, Writes of Passage and Writing Across America Anthologies. He is the lead author of Common Sense for Animals Journals, which emphasize on preservation and conservation of animals and the environment. He is a proud and active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), 12x12 and Florida Writer’s Association. Afflicted with Myotonic Dystrophy, Thornton serves as a Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador. Currently, he co-resides in NJ and Florida. When he’s not reading, writing, filming, or creating art, you can find Thornton with his three cats, two donkeys, or riding his trainer’s horse, Abe. Learn more about Thornton at kidartistry-thornton-w-blease.com/. He is represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency.
Author of Prehistoric Place: Escape From the Tyrant Lizard (Spring 2028)