Mirka Breen
Mirka Breen was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel. In first grade, Mirka discovered story books. Books seemed to convey some deep truths and ask very good questions. She kept lots of books by her bedside, the way some keep their favorite stuffed animals. In the 8th grade, Mirka won a national essay award in Israel. She wrote about how man’s landing on the moon may affect mankind’s romantic notions about it. It didn’t seem to affect it at all, which was a great relief to her. In a way, the die was cast then. Some day she would grow up to write stories for children. Mirka lives in California. She shares her home and anchor with her husband, three adopted cats, and two rapidly maturing children who visit now and then. When not weeding, cooking or cleaning, Mirka writes stories. (Full disclosure— writing every week day.) Two of her stories were traditionally published, one picture book and one award-winning novel for pre-teens. Visit Mirka’s website at www.mirkabreen.com
Mirka Breen was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel. In first grade, Mirka discovered story books. Books seemed to convey some deep truths and ask very good questions. She kept lots of books by her bedside, the way some keep their favorite stuffed animals. In the 8th grade, Mirka won a national essay award in Israel. She wrote about how man’s landing on the moon may affect mankind’s romantic notions about it. It didn’t seem to affect it at all, which was a great relief to her. In a way, the die was cast then. Some day she would grow up to write stories for children. Mirka lives in California. She shares her home and anchor with her husband, three adopted cats, and two rapidly maturing children who visit now and then. When not weeding, cooking or cleaning, Mirka writes stories. (Full disclosure— writing every week day.) Two of her stories were traditionally published, one picture book and one award-winning novel for pre-teens. Visit Mirka’s website at www.mirkabreen.com
Mark Ceilley
Mark Ceilley earned his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. He is the author of two picture books, CINDERELLLIOT and QUEER EYE SLUMBER PARTY MAGIC both published by Running Press Kids. He also has a children’s fiction story published in Spider Magazine. He has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and Second grades. He has also been a K-5 Reading and Math interventionist. Mark lives in Minnesota. Visit his website at: www.MarkCeilley.com
Mark Ceilley earned his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. He is the author of two picture books, CINDERELLLIOT and QUEER EYE SLUMBER PARTY MAGIC both published by Running Press Kids. He also has a children’s fiction story published in Spider Magazine. He has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and Second grades. He has also been a K-5 Reading and Math interventionist. Mark lives in Minnesota. Visit his website at: www.MarkCeilley.com
Tina Cho
Tina Cho is a kindergarten teacher and author of many books including Rice from Heaven, The Ocean Calls, (4 starred reviews JLG, Freeman Honor Award), God’s Little Oceanographer, the forthcoming The Princess & the Grain of Rice (Feb. 10th), and The Kimchi Fridge (Oct. 6th). Her graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow received five starred reviews, a JLG Gold Standard Selection, SLJ Best Graphic Novels List 2024, Kirkus Best Middle Grade 2024, Freeman Book Honor Award from NCTAsia, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, state lists, etc…
You can visit her website at www.tinamcho.com
IG and X: @TinaMCho
Tina Cho is a kindergarten teacher and author of many books including Rice from Heaven, The Ocean Calls, (4 starred reviews JLG, Freeman Honor Award), God’s Little Oceanographer, the forthcoming The Princess & the Grain of Rice (Feb. 10th), and The Kimchi Fridge (Oct. 6th). Her graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow received five starred reviews, a JLG Gold Standard Selection, SLJ Best Graphic Novels List 2024, Kirkus Best Middle Grade 2024, Freeman Book Honor Award from NCTAsia, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, state lists, etc…
You can visit her website at www.tinamcho.com
IG and X: @TinaMCho
Rosanne Kurstedt
Rosanne L. Kurstedt, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, supporting learners of all ages. She is the author of several books and professional development guides for teachers, including Teaching Writing with Picture Books as Models (Scholastic, 2000) and a series entitled 100+ Growth Mindset Comments (Newmark Learning, 2017). Rosanne loves picture books and anything kid-lit so she volunteers as the Assistant Regional Advisor for the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Her first book Karate Kid (Running Press Kids, 2019) was released in 2019 and her second book And I Thought About You was released in 2022. Rosanne is the founder of The Author Experience (www.TheAuthorExperience.org), a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the transformative power of sharing stories. In collaboration with students, families and educators, TAE provides sustainable literacy-based experiences that build a culture of literacy—one that elevates connections and delivers lasting impact. Rosanne lives in New Jersey with her family, including their dog Dorothy (who looks just like Toto). Follow Rosanne here: Twitter @rlkurstedt, @TheAuthorExp
Website LKurstedt, The Author Experience Facebook RLKurstedt, Children’s Author, The Author Experience Instagram @TheAuthorExp
Rosanne L. Kurstedt, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, supporting learners of all ages. She is the author of several books and professional development guides for teachers, including Teaching Writing with Picture Books as Models (Scholastic, 2000) and a series entitled 100+ Growth Mindset Comments (Newmark Learning, 2017). Rosanne loves picture books and anything kid-lit so she volunteers as the Assistant Regional Advisor for the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Her first book Karate Kid (Running Press Kids, 2019) was released in 2019 and her second book And I Thought About You was released in 2022. Rosanne is the founder of The Author Experience (www.TheAuthorExperience.org), a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the transformative power of sharing stories. In collaboration with students, families and educators, TAE provides sustainable literacy-based experiences that build a culture of literacy—one that elevates connections and delivers lasting impact. Rosanne lives in New Jersey with her family, including their dog Dorothy (who looks just like Toto). Follow Rosanne here: Twitter @rlkurstedt, @TheAuthorExp
Website LKurstedt, The Author Experience Facebook RLKurstedt, Children’s Author, The Author Experience Instagram @TheAuthorExp
Laura Sassi
Laura has always loved reading and children’s literature, and taught elementary school for several years before pursuing her passion for writing. As a writer, she finds inspiration in the antics of everyday life. Her humorous poems, stories, articles and crafts have appeared in many publications for children including Highlights for Children, Cricket Media, and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Laura’s the author of multiple books for young children including including the best-selling Goodnight, Ark, which was a 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist; Goodnight, Manger; Love Is Kind, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book; Little Ewe and Bunny Finds Easter. Her newest title, Happy Birthday Christmas Child is out with two more, My Tender Heart Bible and My Tender Heart Prayer Book on the way in 2023. For more thoughts on writing and life, visit Laura’s blog: www.laurasassitales.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at Laura Sassi Tales.
Laura has always loved reading and children’s literature, and taught elementary school for several years before pursuing her passion for writing. As a writer, she finds inspiration in the antics of everyday life. Her humorous poems, stories, articles and crafts have appeared in many publications for children including Highlights for Children, Cricket Media, and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Laura’s the author of multiple books for young children including including the best-selling Goodnight, Ark, which was a 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist; Goodnight, Manger; Love Is Kind, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book; Little Ewe and Bunny Finds Easter. Her newest title, Happy Birthday Christmas Child is out with two more, My Tender Heart Bible and My Tender Heart Prayer Book on the way in 2023. For more thoughts on writing and life, visit Laura’s blog: www.laurasassitales.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at Laura Sassi Tales.
