Orca Book Publishers

Author Directory

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Name Bio
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Judy Abrams Judy Abrams, born in Budapest, Hungary on April 28, 1937, immigrated to Montreal in 1949, where she later taught French. She taught at the International School in New York City from 1972 until her retirement in 2002. She has two sons and one grandson and divides her time between Montreal and New York. In 2009, she co-edited Remember Us: A Collection of Memories from the Hungarian Hidden Children of the Holocaust.
Alison Acheson
KC Adams KC Adams is a Cree/Ojibway/British artist who graduated from Concordia University with a BFA in studio arts. Adams has had several solo and group exhibitions and was included in the PHOTOQUAI: Biennale des images du monde in Paris, France. Adams was the set designer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Going Home Star: Truth and Reconciliation. She has designed public art sculptures and has been teaching about Indigenous pottery and learning from Elders at the annual nibi (water) gathering at Whiteshell Provincial Park in eastern Manitoba. An art instructor at Brandon University, KC recently won the Winnipeg Arts Council's Making A Mark Award and the Aboriginal Circle of Educators' Trailblazing Award. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Caroline Adderson Caroline Adderson has been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist, the Governor General's Literary Award, the Rogers' Trust Fiction Prize and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her family. For more information, visit www.carolineaddersonkids.com.
BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centr
Michael Agostini
Angela Ahn Angela Ahn is a former high school English and social studies teacher. She worked in the Canadian public education system, as well as in Hong Kong for two years, teaching English as a Second Language. After five years of teaching, she went back to school to earn a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia. Angela worked in all types of libraries but only discovered the joy of children's literature when she had her own children. She has been at home with her children for the last few years in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is a writer, poet, spoken-word performer, librettist, and activist from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. She is the founder and Managing Editor of Kegedonce Press which was established in 1993 to publish the work of Indigenous creators. Kateri has written two books of poetry, was a contributor to the graphic novel anthology This Place: 150 Years Retold, was editor of the award-winning Skins: Contemporary Indigenous Writing, and has also released two poetry and music CDs. Kateri's work has been published internationally, and she has performed and spoken around the world.
Linda Aksomitis
Jen Albaugh Jen Albaugh is a former elementary school teacher and librarian currently working as a freelance writer and editor in Toronto.
Sue Ann Alderson
Danny Alexis
Michelle Alfano
Meghan Rose Allen Meghan Rose Allen has had short fiction published in journals throughout North America. She has a PhD in Mathematics and wrote her thesis on the mathematics of games (chess, Go, Nine Men's Morris). Enid Strange is her first novel. Meghan Rose lives in Sackville, New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.reluctantm.com.
Lou Allin Lou Allin was the author of the award-nominated Belle Palmer mysteries set in Northern Ontario. Formerly an English teacher, Lou held a PhD. in English literature. Her Rapid Reads Contingency Plan won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novella in Canada and has been shortlisted for the Golden Oak Award from the Ontario Library Association.
Ann Alma
Karim Alrawi
Karim Alrawi
Christelle Ammirati
Robert Amos
Robert Amos
Bret Amundson Bret Amundson is a broadcaster and voiceover artist from Minnesota. He has narrated two titles from Orca's Seven series.
Bret Amundson
Linda Amyot Linda Amyot is an award-winning author whose previous novels include Ha Long and La fille d'en face. She works as an editor and as a writer of television documentaries and audiovisual presentations for businesses. She helped create the À voix haute organization, which presents live performances by professional comedians of complete works or excerpts of works by Quebec authors. In 2011 she received the Prix à la création artistique awarded by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and her original French work, Le jardin d'Amsterdam, won the Prix du livre jeunesse des bibliothèques de Montréal (fr) and the Governor General's Award for French-language children's literature.
Ferenc Andai Ferenc Andai (1925–2013) was born in Budapest, Hungary. In 1957 he immigrated to Canada, obtaining an MA in Slavic Studies from the Université de Montréal and a teaching diploma from McGill University, then a PhD in history from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. His book Mint tanu szólni: bori történet (To Bear Witness: A Story of Bor) was published in 2003 and awarded the Radnóti Miklós National Prize in 2004.
Marguerite Andersen Marguerite Andersen is an accomplished writer and lecturer. She has taught French and translation (English, French, and German) at several universities and has also worked as a translator and interpreter for diplomats and writers. Dr. Andersen was the editor of Canada's first feminist anthology in the 1970s, Mother was not a person. She has written several novels, short story collections, and plays. She lives in Toronto.
Barbara Anderson B.K. Anderson has had a twenty year career as a filmmaker, director, and producer. She has also written, directed, and produced for the stage in Toronto and Vancouver, winning the B.C. Playwriting Award and the Ovation Award for best new musical in 2006 for Alley Cats. B.K. lives in Vancouver, where she currently works at the Vancouver School Board as an Education Coordinator.
Gail Anderson-Dargatz Gail Anderson-Dargatz is an award-winning author of over a dozen books, including The Cure for Death by Lightning and A Recipe for Bees, which were finalists for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She also teaches other authors how to write fiction. Gail lives in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. For more information, visit gailanderson-dargatz.ca.
Mariko Ando Mariko Ando was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. She is an artist and illustrator and has exhibited widely in Japan and Canada. Her work has garnered much critical acclaim. She has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, for many years. For more information, visit www.marikoando.com.
Joelle Anthony Joëlle Anthony is a writer, playwright, actress and writing teacher. She enjoys teaching workshops to writers of all ages, is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and is a regular contributor to the SCBWI's newsletter. Joëlle lives in British Columbia. Visit her on the web at www.joelleanthony.com. Follow her on Twitter @joellewrites.
Rona Arato Rona Arato, a former teacher, is an award-winning children's author with a strong interest in the field of human rights. From 1994 to 1998, she was an interviewer for Survivors of the Shoah, a Steven Spielberg project that recorded the histories of Holocaust survivors. She is the author of Courage and Compassion and the On a Day Story Voyages series, among others. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.ronaarato.com.
Marion Arbona Marion Arbona was born in France. After obtaining her diploma in animation at the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, she moved to Quebec. She devotes her life to illustration, painting and animation. In constant evolution, she explores new techniques such as scratchboard, pastel and transparency, which she combines with her favourite media: gouache, ink and image retouching. For more information, visit www.marionarbona.com.
Shane Arbuthnott Shane Arbuthnott grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and now lives in southern Ontario with his family. Dominion, his debut novel, was released in 2017. His short fiction has appeared in On Spec and Open Spaces. When he is not writing, he can be seen chasing his three adventurous children, trying to convince them to eat green things. For more information, visit www.shanearbuthnott.com.
Dr. Jo-Ann Archibald Member of the Stó:lo Nation, Dr. Jo-ann Archibald - Q’um Q’um Xiiem is described as a visionary and an agent of change, and is nationally recognized for creating culturally relevant teacher education and graduate programs for Aboriginal students. During her career of more than 40 years, her work transformed the learning landscape through curriculum and program development, policy, teaching and research.
Jeannette Armstrong Jeannette Armstrong is a Canadian classic author and an award-winning Indigenous leader.
Kelley Armstrong Kelley Armstrong is the author of the Cainsville Modern Gothic series and the Age of Legends YA fantasy trilogy. Her past works include the Otherworld urban fantasy series, the Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising teen paranormal trilogies and the Nadia Stafford crime trilogy. She also co-writes the Blackwell Pages middle-grade fantasy trilogy as K.L. Armstrong with M.A. Marr. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her family. For more information, visit www.kelleyarmstrong.com.
Richard Armstrong Richard Armstrong, syilx traditional knowledge/language specialist, offers syilx (Okanagan) translations for each of the animals in this story. He is from the Okanagan Nation.
Erin Arsenault
Mark Ashby Mark Ashby is a voiceover artist, audiobook narrator and producer. He has narrated two titles from Orca's Seven series.
Sonny Assu Sonny Assu is an artist whose Kwakwaka’wakw heritage is a focal point of his practice.
Dave Atkinson Dave Atkinson is an award-winning freelance journalist, columnist and broadcaster and the author of Wereduck, nominated for a Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award. For more information, visit www.daveatkinson.ca.
Martha Attema

martha attema was born on a dairy farm in Friesland, one of the northern provinces in the Netherlands. In 1981, martha immigrated with husband, Albert and three children to Canada. In 1995, she published her first novel, A Time to Choose. This war novel set in Friesland and deals with the Resistance and won the Blue Heron Book Award. Since this initial success martha has written numerous books for young people. For more information, visit marthaattema.com.
Christopher Auchter
Tara Audibert Tara Audibert is a Maliseet artist, filmmaker and podcaster with twenty years of experience in animation and comics.
Dale Auger Dale Auger (1958–2008) was an accomplished artist, teacher, and storyteller from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. His strong, intensely colourful paintings of Native spiritual life are held in notable private and public collections around the world.
Dale Auger Dale Auger (1958–2008) was an accomplished artist, teacher, and storyteller from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. His strong, intensely colourful paintings of Native spiritual life are held in notable private and public collections around the world.
Neepin Auger Neepin Auger is a Cree artist, educator and mother. Originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, she has been painting for over ten years, having studied art under her father, Dale Auger.
Neepin Auger Neepin Auger is a Cree artist, educator and mother. Originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, she has been painting for over ten years, having studied art under her father, Dale Auger.
Catherine Austen Catherine Austen worked in the conservation movement before becoming a freelance writer. She lives in Quebec with her husband, Geoff, and their children.Her novels with Orca include Walking Backward and All Good Children. For more information, visit www.catherineausten.com.
Theresa Austin
Karen Autio
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Constance Backhouse Constance Backhouse is a Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa. She has published a number of prize-winning books such as Petticoats and Prejudice: Women and Law in Nineteenth-Century Canada; Coded: A Legal History of Racism in Canada, 1900-1950; and Carnal Crimes: Sexual Assault Law in Canada, 1900-1975. Her latest book, Claire L’Heureux-Dubé: A Life, was published in 2017. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2008.
Nizar Ali Badr Nizar Ali Badr has always been inspired to paint, sculpt and draw. In his walks along the seashore near the ancient port city of Ugarit, Syria, he always admired the stones on the beach and in the clear blue water. Now he gathers these stones and brings them home to his rooftop studio, where they become the medium for his art. Nizar has never left his hometown of Latakia, though in his heart he accompanies the many Syrians who have been forced to flee their homeland because of ongoing violence.
Murray Bain Murray Bain has been a television animation artist for twenty years. He has worked on such projects as Little Bear, Freaky Stories and Mission Hill and on animated music videos for "Weird" Al Yankovic, Nelly Furtado and David Myles. He is co-founder and vice-president of Copernicus Studios in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he lives with his partner, Robyn, their son, Arlo, and two smelly dogs, Ruby and Norman.
Brenda Baker
Millie Balance
Anna Bald
Heather Ball
Dan Bar-el

Dan Bar-el was born in Edmonton, grew up in Ontario, got lost briefly in Manitoba and now resides in Vancouver. Each year, Dan gives numerous presentations in schools and libraries across North America both as an author and as a storyteller. He takes great delight in opportunities to travel, see new places and visit with young readers. Visit his website at www.danbarel.com.

 
Jill Barber Jill Barber is an award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and author with four albums of original music, an album of classic French covers and a bestselling baby board book to her credit.
Steven Barwin Steven Barwin leads a double life as a writer and a teacher. He is the author of a number of sport-themed books, including Orca Sports titles Hardball and Hurricane Heat. He has also written for numerous television shows and contributed to the creation of the NASCAR and World Wrestling DVD board games. Steven lives in Toronto with his family. For more information, visit www.stevenbarwin.com.
Karen Bass
Pnina Bat Zvi Pnina Bat Zvi is a journalist and radio host based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Robert Bateman Robert Bateman, a naturalist and painter, was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1930. Fascinated by the natural world as a child, inspired by the Group of Seven and encouraged by his parents, Robert developed a painting style that has been internationally lauded, and his work has been exhibited around the world. As an artist, an art and geography teacher and an advocate, Robert has used his renown to promote environmental causes, and in 1999 the Audubon Society named him one of the top 100 environmental proponents of the twentieth century. Robert was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984 and a Member of the Order of British Columbia in 2001. He lives on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. For more information, visit robertbateman.ca.
Sonya Spreen Bates Sonya Spreen Bates is a Canadian writer living in South Australia. She grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, where she obtained a degree in linguistics from the University of Victoria. She then studied speech-language pathology at Dalhousie University and has spent many years working with children with communication disorders, often writing her own stories to use in therapy. Traveling to Australia was always an aspiration, but she never imagined she'd be living there one day. Sonya began writing children's fiction in 2001, inspired by her two daughters and their love of the stories she told them. She now writes for children and adults, and has been published in Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada. For more information, visit www.sonyaspreenbates.com.
Laure Baudot Laure Baudot is an author and martial artist. With Toronto, Ontario, as her base, she has traveled the world with her adventurous husband and three children. Her work has been published in various literary journals, including The Danforth Review, The Fertile Source, Found Press, and Prairie Fire.
Leanne Baugh Leanne Baugh has been a waitress, receptionist, teacher, stay-at-home mom and screenwriter. A few years ago she fell in love with writing fiction and now is writing novels for young adults. Leanne is passionate about books, films, beach walks and hummingbirds. When she isn't at home in Victoria, British Columbia, she's off traveling the world.
Michael Bawtree
Megs Beach Megs Beach wanted to be Jane Eyre when she grew up and practiced writing with long-winded penpal letters. She was a dental hygienist for over 20 years and now divides her time between her three daughters, writing, and refurbishing furniture. In 2009 she was the runner-up for CBC Radio One’s Canada Writes contest. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Archie Beaulieu Tlicho artist, Archie Beaulieu, from Behchoko, Northwest Territories considers his art a continuation of his Dene culture, passed down to him by his grandmother. Archie's spiritual, abstract style of painting has gained him national and international recognition. His originals can be found in the collections of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II.
Archie Beaverho Archie Beaverho was born in Wha Ti in 1965. He is an accomplished painter and cartoonist whose understanding of his culture is reflected in his work. Archie still lives in Wha Tia and currently works at Diavik Mines.
Andrea Beck

Andrea Beck is the author/illustrator of the popular book series and TV show, Elliot Moose. Andrea is known for creating earnest characters that inhabit a world of warmth and friendship, appealing to children and parents alike. Beck studied at OCAD, York University and the University of Toronto and began her career as a toy designer. Her award-winning designs were featured in Canadian media and sold from coast to coast. Later, reading to her children, Beck was inspired by picturebooks and she began to write. Beck lives in Unionville, ON, with her two sons, her beagle Tillie and about 30 goldfish in the backyard pond. For more information, visit www.andreabeck.com.
Andrea Beck

Andrea Beck is the author/illustrator of the popular book series and TV show, Elliot Moose. Andrea is known for creating earnest characters that inhabit a world of warmth and friendship, appealing to children and parents alike. Beck studied at OCAD, York University and the University of Toronto and began her career as a toy designer. Her award-winning designs were featured in Canadian media and sold from coast to coast. Later, reading to her children, Beck was inspired by picturebooks and she began to write. Beck lives in Unionville, ON, with her two sons, her beagle Tillie and about 30 goldfish in the backyard pond. For more information, visit www.andreabeck.com.
Carolyn Beck Carolyn Beck first learned about letters when she was five. Right away she liked them. They make interesting sounds, like the s-s-s-sneaky S, the punchy P and the bouncy B. And best of all, in bunches they make WORDS! (Carolyn also discovered numbers and liked them too, but that is another story.) Carolyn lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Helaine Becker Helaine Becker is the bestselling author of more than seventy books for children and young adults. For more information, visit www.helainebecker.com.
Phillippe Béha A Governor General’s Award-winning illustrator of numerous books, Philippe Béha was Canada’s 2014 nomination for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. He lives in Quebec.
Nancy Belgue Nancy Belgue is the author of five books for children. Her writing has appeared in magazines in both Canada and the United States. In addition to speaking to children as a visiting author, Nancy has worked as a literary/drama artist with the Learning Through The Arts program and has acted in television commercials, training videos and documentaries.
Joanne Bell Born in Great Britain, Joanne Bell grew up in New Brunswick and Alberta. She visited Dawson City, Yukon, many years ago and fell in love with the nearby Ogilvie Mountains, where she spent years running dogs, hiking, canoeing and living in log cabins. Now married with two daughters, she works as a naturalist in the summers and is a substitute teacher in Dawson City whenever she is not in the mountains.
William Bell William Bell was a teacher and the bestselling author of a number of teen novels.
Michelle Benjamin
Holly Bennett Holly Bennett is the author of numerous young adult novels, all published by Orca. She lives in Peterborough, Ontario, where she enjoys singing, being in nature, hanging out with her family, Scrabble and, of course, reading. For more information, visit www.hollybennett.ca.
Erin Bennett Banks Erin Bennett Banks's distinct artistic style has earned her recognition in The New York Times, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and the Gustavus Myers Center. She is the illustrator of several books for children and currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information, visit www.erinbanks.wordpress.com.
Renné Benoit Renné Benoit is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children. In 2012, Big City Bees (Greystone) was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award in the Children's Literature Illustration category. Renné currently works out of her home studio in St. Thomas, Ontario. For more information, visit www.rennebenoit.ca.
Alain M. Bergeron A prolific author, Alain M. Bergeron has written over 250 children's books. He collaborated with Quebecois artist Sampar to create Billy Stuart and the Zintrepids, a colorful cast of Scouts that includes a raccoon, fox, chameleon, skunk and weasel. This intrepid crew made one fateful mistake and has been suffering the consequences ever since. Alain devotes himself exclusively to leading school workshops and writing, and his inexhaustible imagination has made him a fixture in children's literature and garnered many awards and accolades. Alain lives in Victoriaville, Quebec.
Rachel Berman
Laura Best
Michael Betcherman Michael Betcherman is an award-winning author and screenwriter. He is the author of the young adult mystery novels Breakaway and Face-Off, both published by Penguin Canada. Breakaway was a finalist for the John Spray Mystery Award. Face-Off was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Mystery Award. Michael has numerous writing credits in both dramatic and documentary television. He is also the author/creator of The Daughters of Freya and Suzanne, two groundbreaking online novels that were highly praised by numerous publications, including the Globe and Mail and the UK Guardian. Michael lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife, Claudette Jaiko.
Shashi Bhat Shashi Bhat's short fiction has been published in numerous journals, including Threepenny Review, PRISM International, and Event Magazine; her story "Indian Cooking" was a finalist for the 2010 RBC Bronwen Wallace Writers Trust Award. She was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Dalhousie University. Learn more at www.shashibhat.com.
Laura Bifano Laura Bifano grew up in the rainy Pacific Northwest of Canada, where she spent her days running around in the forest and drawing pictures. Since graduating from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2008, she divides her time between freelance work, fine art and animated shows and feature films. She lives in Vancouver.
Josée Bisaillon Josée Bisaillon has illustrated more than twenty-five children’s books, created numerous editorial illustrations for magazines and newspapers, been short-listed twice for the Governor General's Literary Award and won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. She lives outside Montréal, Québec, with her family. For more information, visit joseebisaillon.com.
Mary Harelkin Bishop
Pulak Biswas
Kate Blair Kate Blair is a native of Hayling Island, United Kingdom, and is now a Canadian citizen living in Toronto, Ontario. She is the author of such bestselling, acclaimed books as Transferral and Tangled Planet and has received numerous award nominations for her work. For more information, visit www.kateblair.com.
Rick Blechta Rick Blechta has two passions in life: music and writing. A professional musician since age fourteen, he brings his extensive knowledge of that life to his crime fiction. He is now the author of eight novels, two of which, Cemetery of the Nameless and Roses for a Diva, were shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Best Novel Award. In 2017, his third Rapid Reads book, Rundown., won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novella. Rick runs a blog called Type M for Murder. For more information about Rick, visit www.rickblechta.com.
Richard K. Blier The Vancouver Island Trails Information Society is a non-profit society dedicated to providing accurate information to the public about parks and trails on Vancouver Island.
George Blondin A respected Elder and storyteller, George Blondin maintains the storytelling traditions of the Dene people. He is the author of several books where he depicts the tales of medicine heroes, hunters and healers who have forged Dene history. George currently resides in Behchoko, NWT where he continues to share and write the stories of the Dene people.
John Blondin
Petra Bockus
Rachel Boehm A dual U.S./Canadian citizen, Rachel Boehm has lived on both sides of the border, but her childhood years in Nova Scotia made a lasting impression. Rachel has worked in the field of communications and marketing with numerous non-profit and public-sector organizations. She is passionate about writing and its power to effect social change. Having returned to Nova Scotia in 2003, Rachel and her husband and children now live surrounded by lakes and rocky hills in beautiful Fall River, just outside of Halifax.
Jill Bogart Jill Bogart is working on her doctorate in art history. She lives with her husband in Pittsburgh.
Jo Ellen Bogart Jo Ellen Bogart was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in several Texas cities, but for the last 32 years, she has lived in Guelph, Ontario AKA Children's Author Central. She really enjoys running into writers and artists at the grocery store. Jo Ellen has a teaching degree from the University of Texas and has worked as a supply teacher. Though she no longer teaches, she really enjoys meeting her young readers and seeing what they have to say. Her own two kids are grown but she has a new baby grandson and is amassing stacks of books for the future reader.
Rosemarie Boll
Max Bornstein Max Bornstein was born on November 12, 1921, in Warsaw, Poland. After the war, he finally received a Canadian entry permit and arrived in Toronto on June 25, 1947. He and his wife, Min, were married in 1948; they have two children and two grandchildren. After more than 60 years of marriage, Min passed away in 2010. Max Bornstein lives in Toronto.
Michele Martin Bossley Michele Martin Bossley is the author of numerous novels for young people. A frequent speaker at writing conferences and schools, Michele divides her time between writing and parenting her four sons. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Victor Bosson
David Bouchard Métis author David Bouchard has written many bestselling and award-winning books for children. David grew up on the prairies, where he lived and breathed street hockey. David is a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 2013 he had a public school named after him in Oshawa, Ontario. He currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife, daughter and two dogs. For more information, visit davidbouchard.com.
Luc Bouchard Luc Bouchard is an award–winning feature writer for the magazines Elle, Chatelaine, L'Actualité and Reader's Digest Canada. He lives in Montréal, Québec, with his partner and his two daughters. Visit www.bouchardluc.com for more information.
Hélène Boudreau
Simon Boulerice Award-winning Québécois author Simon Boulerice is a playwright, novelist, poet and children's book author. His picture book Florence & Léon (QuébecAmérique, published as Florence & Leon in English by Orca) was nominated for the 2016 Governor General's Award for French-language children's illustration. Inspired by the power of the imagination, Simon believes in the gift of time to let your mind wander...because you never know what it will come up with.
Pat Bourke
Patricia Bow

Patricia Bow has been reading ever since the local library opened its magic doors for her and writing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She uses a computer now instead of a crayon, but the thrill of the story hasn't changed. She writes what she loves to read: fiction with a strong flavour of the strange and mysterious, anchored by down-to-earth heroes.

Gail Bowen

Gail Bowen is the author of the bestselling mystery series featuring Joanne Kilbourn. Winner of both the Arthur Ellis Best Novel Award and the Derrick Murdoch Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Crime Writers of Canada, in 2008 Bowen was named “Canada’s Best Mystery Novelist” by Reader’s Digest. She was selected as one of "The 100 Most Popular Contemporary Mystery Authors" for an upcoming Library Unlimited reference book. For more information, visit www.gailbowen.com.

George Bowering George Bowering is a poet, writer, biographer and historian. He has written over ninety works and was the first Parliamentary Poet Laureate of Canada. He has won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction and Poetry. In 1993 he became an Officer of the Order of Canada, and in 2004 he received the Order of British Columbia.
Lisa Bowes Lisa Bowes is a sports journalist and media consultant. While working for CBC, she was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Writing in an Information Program or Series. She is a Physical Education graduate who is passionate about encouraging children and families to be active. Lisa lives in Calgary, Alberta. For more information, visit lucytriessports.com.
Adrian Bradbury Adrian Bradbury is the co-founder and director of GuluWalk, a foundation dedicated to supporting the abandoned children of northern Uganda. Bradbury's writing on northern Uganda has appeared in both the National Post and Uganda's Daily Monitor, and for the continuing efforts of GuluWalk he earned a 2005 Planet Africa award and was recognized as a 'Newsmaker of the Year' by Maclean's magazine. He lives in Toronto, Canada. For more information please visit www.guluwalk.com.
Karleen Bradford Karleen Bradford is the award-winning author of twenty-two works of fiction and non-fiction for children and young adults. Her books include historical novels, fantasy and contemporary stories, as well as picture books and chapter books. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, but spent most of her childhood years in Argentina. For more information, visit www.karleenbradford.com.
Michael Bradford

Michael Bradford was born in 1975 in St. Albert, Alberta. He has worked as a grass cutter, waiter, pizza-delivery boy, literacy teacher, elementary-school vice-principal and published poet. Button Hill is his first novel. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with his wife and two children. Visit www.michaelbradford.ca for more information.
Dionne Brand Dionne Brand is a poet and author; winner of the GG, the Trillium and Toronto Books Awards, and the Griffin Poetry Prize. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Sandra Braun
Elaine Breault-Hammond Elaine Breault Hammond, author of the bestselling The Secret Under the Whirlpool, Under the Waterfall and Explosion at Dawson Creek, has lived in six provinces as well as in the United States. She and her family lived on Prince Edward Island, and now she divides her time between PEI in the summertime and Kingston, Ontario, the rest of the year.
Beverley Brenna
Kristi Bridgeman Kristi Bridgeman has illustrated several books for children. Her fine-art pieces can be found at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and Sooke Harbour House Gallery. Born and raised on the west coast of Canada, Kristi resides and paints in her home-based studio at the edge of the rainforest on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.kristibridgeman.com.
Constance Brissenden Co-author Constance Brissenden BA, MA is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author if 14 books of travel and history. In 1993, Constance and Larry formed Living Traditions Writers Group (www.firstnationswriters.com) to encourage First Nations people to write about their traditions and stories.
Sigmund Brouwer Sigmund Brouwer is the author of over 20 novels for adults and dozens of books for children. He visits over 150 schools per year to deliver his Rock and Roll Literacy presentation, reaching about 60,000 students per year. Sigmund lives in Red Deer, Alberta. For more information, visit www.sigmundbrouwer.com.
Jennifer Brown
Tyne Brown
Christene A. Browne Christene A. Browne is an award-winning filmmaker. Her 1999 film Another Planet was the first feature film directed by a Black woman in Canada. In 2011 she was awarded the Visionary award by TheWIFTS Foundation for her ground-breaking documentary series Speaking in Tongues: The History of Language, featuring Noam Chomsky. Along with documentary filmmaking, she works as a lecturer in the Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University. She lives in Toronto.
William Roy Brownridge Author and illustrator William Roy Brownridge is a native of Saskatchewan. Like the hero of his Moccasin Goalie titles, Bill lived for hockey and played goal despite being unable to wear skates. In The Moccasin Goalie, he demonstrates the unique artistic style, the flair for storytelling and the feel for prairie life that have made all three of his volumes perennial favorites. After a successful career as a graphic designer, Bill now devotes himself full time to painting.
Joseph Bruchac Joseph Bruchac is an award-winning Abenaki author of more than 120 books for children and adults, including the critically acclaimed, bestselling Keepers of the Earth series.
Connie Brummel Crook
Jill Bryant
Charles Bullshields Charles Bullshields is an artist from the Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation), part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Charles is self-taught and uses his artwork to reflect and keep in touch with Native heritage and traditions. He lives in Standoff, Alberta.
Ella Burakowski Ella Burakowski is a second-generation Holocaust survivor. For eighteen years, she has written a monthly national column in The Canadian Jewish News. Her novel, Hidden Gold, is the story of her mother’s experiences during World War II.
Julie Burtinshaw Julie Burtinshaw is an award-winning author who teaches writing workshops in high schools across Canada. She is active on social media and encourages readers to contact her with questions and comments. Julie lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.burtinshaw.wordpress.com.
Maureen Bush Maureen Bush is the author of five books for children. Before becoming a writer, she pursued other passions: she has a bachelor's degree in history, a master's degree in environmental design, a certificate in mediation and negotiation, and a postgraduate certificate of creative writing. She has worked as a public involvement consultant and trained as a mediator. Born in Edmonton, Maureen now lives in Calgary with her husband and two daughters. Visit www.maureenbush.com for more information.
Kristin Butcher Kristin Butcher taught a variety of subjects, from primary to high school level, before becoming an author. She credits her experience in the classroom with helping her understand children and teens better, as well as making her a whiz at Trivial Pursuit. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia. For more information, visit kristinbutcher.com.
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Damon Calderwood Damon Calderwood is an actor, teacher and wildlife photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.globalbirdphotos.com.
Kristy Cameron
Doris Campbell
Eva Campbell Eva Campbell was born in Ghana and spent her childhood in Barbados and Jamaica. She studied painting at the College of Art in Ghana (BA) and the University of Victoria (MFA). Eva has had numerous art exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Ghana, Barbados and Britain. Currently she is the visual arts teacher at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit evacampbell.ca.
Melodie Campbell Melodie Campbell is the award-winning author of several works of fiction. Melodie lives in Oakville, Ontario. For more information, visit melodiecampbell.com.
Isabelle Cardinal Isabelle Cardinal found her love for illustration while doing her BA in graphic design at the University of Quebec in Montreal. Using mostly a collection of Victorian-era photos, her own textures, photos and drawings, her work has a unique and mysterious feel.
Mary Cardinal
Keelin Carey
Carole Carpenter
Alice Carter Alice Carter has always loved telling stories through her whimsical art. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, she has worked as a freelance illustrator and fine artist for over ten years. She is inspired by people-watching, music and all the earth's magnificent creatures. Alice lives with her family of silly humans and serious cats in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information, visit www.alicecarter.com.
Anne Laurel Carter

Anne Laurel Carter is a multi-award-winning author of books for children, including Under the Prairie Sky (Orca 2004). When she's not writing, she's reading. Anne lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she works full-time as a teacher-librarian.
Brooke Carter Brooke Carter earned her MFA in creative writing at UBC and lives with her family in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. For more information, visit brookecarter.com.
Jaime Casap Jaime Casap is the Chief Educational Evangelist at Google, Inc in Phoenix, Arizona. Jaime is a first-generation American who was raised by a single mother subsisting on welfare in Hell's Kitchen, NY. Having grown up in poverty, he truly believes that access to education and technology can save lives. Working with Google and educational organizations around the world, Jaime is passionate about improving the quality of education by using technology to create powerful learning models in all classrooms, from kindergarten to college and university. Follow Jaime on Twitter @JCasap.
Mike Casey Mike Casey is a voice actor who has narrated two titles from Orca's Seven series.
Sara Cassidy Sara Cassidy has worked as a youth-hostel manager, a newspaper reporter and a tree planter, in five Canadian provinces. Her books have been short-listed for the Chocolate Lily Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature and the Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize, and two were Junior Library Guild selections. Her poetry, fiction and nonfiction for adults have been widely published. For more information, visit saracassidywriter.com.
Yvonne Cathcart Yvonne Cathcart is a popular children's illustrator. She has illustrated many picture books. She lives in Toronto with her family.
Jacolyn Caton
Robert James Challenger Robert James Challenger is an accomplished illustrator and stone carver and the author of children’s books inspired by the legends and imagery of the Pacific Northwest. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Robert James Challenger Robert James Challenger is an accomplished illustrator and stone carver and the author of children’s books inspired by the legends and imagery of the Pacific Northwest. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Adrian Chamberlain Adrian Chamberlain has always wanted to be a rock star. While holding down a day job as an entertainment writer for the Victoria Times Colonist, he indulges his fantasies (albeit on a reduced scale) by playing organ and piano for The Soul Shakers, a Victoria rhythm-and-blues band.
Penny Chamberlain
Marty Chan Marty Chan is an award-winning author of dozens of books for kids and plays for adults. He tours schools and libraries across Canada, using storytelling, stage magic and improv to ignite a passion for reading in kids. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, visit martychan.com.
Ann Chandler
Danielle Chaperon Before starting her writing career, Danielle Chaperon taught charming (and talkative!) eight- and nine-year-old students. She began writing children's fiction in 2007, inspired by her students' daily lives, experiences and dreams. Danielle lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Brenda Chapman Brenda Chapman is the author of the murder mystery In Winter's Grip (2010), along with the successful Jennifer Bannon mystery series for young adults. She is a former special education teacher and currently works as a senior communications advisor for the federal government in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information, visit www.brendachapman.ca.
Kasia Charko Working in watercolor and colored pencil, Kasia Charko creates detailed, colorful paintings that bring period, place and character to life. Born and educated in England, Kasia lives in Alton, Ontario, with her family of animals. For more information, visit charko.com.
Kyle Charles Kyle Charles is a First Nations writer/illustrator who has drawn for series such as Roche Limit: Clandestiny and '68: Homefront at Image Comics. He currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta.
Norma Charles

Norma Charles has written numerous books for kids, including The Accomplice, nominated for the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize. Norma has been a teacher and a teacher-librarian and has taught Creative Writing at UBC. For more information, visit www.normacharles.ca.

Norman Chartrand Norman Chartrand is Saulteaux–Métis Anishinaabek. He is Jennifer's great-uncle and the son of Elise Beauchamp and Arthur Jacque (Jimmy) Chartrand. Elise Beauchamp was the daughter of Philoméne Klyne and Jean Beauchamp. Julia Brass was the daughter of Julia McLeod of Pelly and George Brass. Jean Beauchamp was the son of Nancy Chartrand and Joseph Beauchamp. His ancestors come from the Riding Mountain territory in Manitoba. He is a member of the Pine Creek Indian Band in Camperville, Manitoba.
Kathleen Cherry Kathleen Cherry lives in northern British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. She loves working with children and empowering them to develop their creativity through writing. For more information, visit www.kathleencherry.ca.
GMB Chomichuk GMB Chomichuk is an award-winning graphic novelist and visual artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, whose work has appeared in magazines, comics, film and video games, and on television. His most recent work with HighWater Press was a collaboration with writer David Alexander Robertson and singer-songwriter Iskwà called Will I See?
Lesley Choyce Lesley Choyce, who has been teaching English and creative writing for over thirty years, is the author of more than ninety books of literary fiction, short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction and young adult novels. He has won the Dartmouth Book Award, the Atlantic Poetry Prize and the Ann Connor Brimer Award. He has also been short-listed for the Stephen Leacock Medal, the White Pine Award, the Hackmatack Award, the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Award and, most recently, the Governor General's Award. For more information, visit www.lesleychoyce.com.
Charlene Chua Charlene Chua grew up in Singapore, where she divided her time between drawing, reading comics and failing her Mandarin classes. She has worked with clients from Canada, USA, Europe, Singapore and Australia on a wide variety of illustration projects. Charlene lives in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband and their two cats. For more information, visit www.charlenechua.com.
Mathilde Cinq-Mars Mathilde Cinq-Mars is a graduate of the visual arts program at the Université de Strasbourg. She works as a freelance illustrator for many publishers and magazines. She lives and works in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, with her daughter
Becky Citra Becky Citra is the author of over twenty books, ranging from early chapter books to novels for young adults. She was an elementary schoolteacher for over twenty–five years and began writing for children in 1995. Becky's books have been shortlisted for and won many awards, including the Red Cedar Award, the Diamond Willow, the Silver Birch and the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize. For more information, visit www.beckycitra.com.
Lee Claremont Lee Claremont was born in Woodstock, Ontario. She is of Mohawk-Irish ancestry and is a member of the Grand River Iroquois Six Nations in Oshweken, Ontario. Lee received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) from the University of British Columbia in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. She won an Angel Award for the "largest individual creative contribution in the visual arts in the Okanagan Valley." She is a respected instructor at the En'owkin Centre, an internationally recognized Aboriginal college.
Kathy Clark
Megan Clendenan Megan Clendenan is a freelance writer and editor. When she's not writing, she spends her time running or biking through her local mountains or trying to play her violin. She lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and their two incredibly fuzzy orange cats. Offbeat is her first novel. For more information, visit www.meganclendenan.com.
Jan L. Coates Jan L. Coates is the author of several books for young readers, including A Hare in the Elephant's Trunk, which was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. She lives in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. For more information, visit www.jancoates.ca.
Paul Coccia Paul Coccia has an MFA in creative writing from UBC. He is a great cook, although he prefers to bake. His specialty is cupcakes, but he has also experimented with animal-shaped macarons and flooded cookies. Paul lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family and two dogs.
Cate Cochran Cate Cochran is a producer with CBC Radio's The Sunday Edition and lives in downtown Toronto, where she shares a house with her ex-husband, two teenage children and a dog. Born in Toronto, she has lived in Saint John, Montreal, and Ottawa, where she attended Carlton University. Cate was the art director for The Globe and Mail Report on Business magazine before becoming a writer, radio producer, and award-winning documentary filmmaker.
Nancy Cohen Nancy Cohen is the children’s librarian at the Moncton Public Library, where she has been sharing stories with children of all ages for many years. She lives in Dieppe, New Brunswick, with her husband.
Sheldon Cohen Sheldon Cohen is an award-winning children's book illustrator and film animator. The prizes he's garnered over the past thirty years include the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Book Illustration, the British Academy Award for Best Animated Film, the AIGA Certificate of Excellence and the IBBY Honour List, representing the best in illustrations from Canada. He lives in Montréal, Québec. For more information, visit www.bysheldoncohen.blogspot.ca.
Kathryn Cole Kathryn Cole has spent a forty-five-year career in children's books as an illustrator, art director, editor, designer, and publisher at Scholastic, OUP, Stoddart Kids and Tundra Books. The books she has overseen have won multiple awards, including four Governor General's Awards. She is the author of the I'm a Great Little Kid Series with BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Kathryn volunteered as a support to parents for thirteen years with BOOST in their crisis support and court preparation groups. She is co-managing editor at Second Story Press and lives in Toronto.
Reed Farrel Coleman Called a "hard-boiled poet" by NPR's Maureen Corrigan and "the noir poet laureate" in the Huffington Post, Reed Farrel Coleman has published over fifteen novels. He is an adjunct instructor of English at Hofstra University and lives with his family on Long Island. For more information, visit www.reedcoleman.com.
Kate Colley Kate Colley is a media specialist who founded Colley Communications, a marketing communications agency, in 2007. Having always enjoyed working with words, Kate often finds herself writing rhyming poems and creating catchy songs for her two busy children. She lives in Vancouver. For more information, visit colleycommunications.com.
Mary Cardinal Collins
PJ Sarah Collins Sam and Nate is PJ Sarah Collins' first published book. She is a creative writing student at the University of British Columbia and an elementary school teacher. For more information, visit www.pjsarahcollins.wordpress.com.
Stompin Tom Connors
Bev Cooke Bev Cooke was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. When she's not writing or thinking about writing, she likes to talk with her two kids, read, daydream, think about gardening and pet her cats. Feral is her second book for children. Bev lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Allan Cormack Allan Cormack is a freelance illustrator who frequently collaborates with his wife, Deborah Drew-Brook. Visit his website at www.aarart.com.
France Cormier France Cormier has been drawing forever. In elementary school she used to wear out her crayons and refused to play with dolls. After a first career as a landscaper, she now devotes herself completely to illustrating playful, lightly twisted worlds full of humor. France lives in Gatineau, Quebec.
Norman Cornett
John Corr John Corr has a third-degree black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido as well as a PhD in English from McMaster University. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with his wife and three sons.
Genevieve Cote
Patricia Côté Patricia Côté was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. is her first children’s book.
Delphie Côté-Lacroix Delphie Côté-Lacroix is a multidisciplinary visual artist with a background in graphic design. She uses simple composition and a limited color palette to creates images that are delicate yet impactful. She lives and work out of Montreal, Quebec. For more information, visit www.delphiecotelacroix.com.
Glen Craig
Jennifer Craig Jennifer Craig was a nurse in the UK and immigrated to Canada in the 1960s. During her midlife crisis she earned a Bachelor's degree in nursing, a Master's in education, and a Ph.D. in medical education. She was on the Faculty of Medicine at UBC for ten years as an educational consultant. Her memoir Yes Sister, No Sister: My Life as a Trainee Nurse in 1950s Yorkshire sold more than 160,000 copies in the UK. She lives in Nelson, British Columbia.
Perri Craig
Alice Crawford
Kevin Crossley-Holland Kevin Crossley-Holland is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award for The Seeing Stone. He lives on the Norfolk coast in East Anglia, England.
Patrick Crowe Patrick Crowe is a Toronto-based producer, writer, game designer and filmmaker. He has worked for the National Film Board and the Ontario Media Development Corporation and as a producer for the CBC. He is the co-founder and president of Xenophile Media, a two-time Emmy-award-winning production company renowned for its work in content and technology, including the interactive documentary Inside Hana's Suitcase.
Lorna Crozier Lorna Crozier has authored numerous books of poetry and received many awards. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Lorna has read her poetry on every continent except Antarctica, and in 2005 she recited a poem for Queen Elizabeth II as part of Saskatchewan's centennial celebration. For more information, visit www.lornacrozier.ca.
Joy Crysdale
Susan Currie Susan Currie has an MA in children's literature and an ARCT in piano performance from The Royal Conservatory. She was one of two winners of Second Story Press's Aboriginal Writing Contest, resulting in her second book, The Mask That Sings. Her first book, Basket of Beethoven, was published in 2001.
Andrea Curtis Andrea Curtis is the award-winning writer of several books for young people and adults, including Into the Blue, about her great-grandfather, a steamboat captain who disappeared on Georgian Bay in the early twentieth century. A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Andrea lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and their two sons. For more information, visit www.andreacurtis.ca.
Marcus Cutler Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator from Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. Visit his website at marcuscutler.com.
Stefan Czernecki Stefan Czernecki has illustrated many picture books and has won the American Folklore Society’s Aesop Award. He lives in Vancouver, BC.
Stefan Czernecki
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Cynthia D'Entremont
Anita Daher Anita Daher holds memberships in The Writers' Union of Canada, The Canadian Children's Book Center, The Manitoba Writers' Guild, The Saskatchewan Writers Guild, and was a founding member of the Territorial Writers Association. When she's not writing, she likes to spend time baking, playing her guitar (badly), and turning her backyard garden into a haven for neighbourhood bunnies. Anita currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her husband, two daughters, a basset hound, and a Westfalia camper van named Mae. For information on school presentations and workshops, visit www.anitadaher.com.
Diane Dakers Diane Dakers is a freelance writer and journalist. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For information, visit www.dianedakers.com.
Mitzi Dale
Lisa Dalrymple Lisa Dalrymple is the author of the picture books A Moose Goes A-Mummering and Skink on the Brink, winner of the 2014 Crystal Kite Award. She lives in Fergus, Ontario, with her husband and their three children. For more information, visit www.lisadalrymple.com
Anne Marie Damman Anne Marie Damman is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Alan & Lea Daniel Alan and Lea Daniel are the illustrators of many award-winning picturebooks. They based the boys in Under a Prairie Sky on their two grandsons.
Danielle Daniel Danielle Daniel is the author and illustrator of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, winner of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, a finalist for the First Nation Communities Read Award and the Blue Spruce Award and a New York Public Library's Most Notable Books of 2015. Danielle is currently working on two novels and completing an MFA in creative writing through UBC. She writes and paints in Sudbury, Ontario. For more information, visit danielledaniel.com.
Geneviève Darling Through illustration and serigraphy, Geneviève Darling explores a personal point of view of a soft and feminine aesthetic. Oriented on feminist, queer or simply amusing subjects, her illustrations are accessible, comforting and uncompromising. Her work tries to challenge heteronormativity and make queer relationships between women more visible. Darling has been a finalist for the Prix Expozine. What Makes Girls Sick and Tired is her first book. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Leslie A. Davidson Leslie A. Davidson has always been a writer, though it wasn't until she retired that she finally found time for the stories that had tapped on her consciousness throughout years of teaching and parenting. Leslie's writing celebrates the things that matter most to her—family, friendship and the natural world. In the Red Canoe was inspired by her husband's passion for quiet exploration of pristine lakes and rivers. He dreamed of sharing paddling adventures with his grandchildren but did not live long enough to realize that dream. In the Red Canoe does that for him. Leslie lives in Revelstoke, British Columbia.
Robert Davidson Robert Davidsonwww.robertdavidson.ca.
Sara Florence Davidson Sara Florence Davidson, PhD, is a Haida educator and scholar. She has worked as an educator with adolescents in the K-12 system for close to a decade in both British Columbia and Yukon Territory. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department at the University of the Fraser Valley where she works with teacher candidates to bring Indigenous content, perspectives, and pedagogies into their classrooms.
Claudia Dávila Claudia Dávila writes, illustrates and designs books for kids of all ages, with stories and themes that encourage children to be strong, thoughtful, compassionate and responsible people. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her family. For more information, visit houseoffran.wixsite.com/claudiadavila.
Aubrey Davis Aubrey Davis is an award-winning Canadian author and storyteller. Aubrey lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information go to www.aubreydavis.com.
Orysia Dawydiak Orysia Dawydiak was the first child born to immigrant parents who settled in northern Ontario. She grew up with a foot in both worlds, on a diet rich in Ukrainian traditions and stories. She lives on a small farm on Prince Edward Island, where she raises sheep and dogs. She is the author of Kira's Quest and Kira's Secret, which was nominated for the Hackmatack Award. For more information, visit www.orysiadawydiak.com.
Hélène De Blois Hélène de Blois did her BA in French at the University of Montreal and in dramatic arts at the Université du Québèc à Montréal. In 1999 she published her first book for children, Un train pour Kénogami, which was a finalist for the Prix Cécile-Gagnon. Ever since, she's been writing and visiting students, encouraging the imaginations of young readers through reading, writing and art. For more information, visit helenedeblois.com. Hélène lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Jan De Groot
Lucile De Pesloüan Lucile de Pesloüan has worked in the book industry in Montreal for seven years. She began to publish her texts in the form of fanzines in 2012, which were distributed in alternative media as well as in traditional bookshops. She has been a finalist for the Prix Expozine twice. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Maggie De Vries Maggie de Vries is the author of many books for children and one book for adults. She teaches in the Creative Writing Program at UBC, runs writing workshops, and coaches and mentors writers. Maggie now lives in Ladysmith, British Columbia, on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Every summer, she and her husband spend as much time as they can tootling around the Gulf Islands and up the coast in their little old boat, Breakaway. For more information, visit www.maggiedevries.com.
Fitzpatrick Deanne
Mike Deas Mike Deas is an author/illustrator of graphic novels, including Dalen and Gole and the Graphic Guide Adventures series. While he grew up with a love of illustrative storytelling, Capilano College's Commercial Animation Program helped Mike fine-tune his drawing skills and imagination. Mike and his family live on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. For more information, visit deasillustration.com or follow him on Twitter @deasillos.
Nancy Deas Nancy Deas grew up on a farm on Mayne Island, BC wandering forests and beaches. She has a great love of travel and adventure. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria. She now explores Salt Spring Island, where she lives with her family.
Nora Decter Nora Decter grew up in the North End of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook University and a BA in English and Creative Writing from York University. She lives most of the year in Toronto, Ontario. She has a rock 'n' roll past. For more information, visit www.noradecter.com.
Natasha Deen Award-winning author Natasha Deen loves stories: exciting ones, scary ones and, especially, funny ones! As a kid of two countries (Guyana and Canada), she feels especially lucky because she gets a double dose of stories. When she's not working on her books or visiting schools, she spends a lot of time trying to convince her dogs and cats that she's the boss of the house.For more information, visit natashadeen.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @natasha_deen.
James C. Dekker James C. Dekker is a first-time author and a fresh new voice in teen fiction. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, and, as far as he knows, is not known to police.

 
Vicki Delany Vicki Delany is one of Canada's most prolific and varied crime writers, and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than twenty-five books: from clever cozies to Gothic thrillers, gritty police procedurals to historical fiction, and novellas for adult literacy. Under the name of Eva Gates, she writes the Lighthouse Library cozy series for Penguin Random House. Her latest novel is Elementary, She Read, the first in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane. Vicki is the past president of the Crime Writers of Canada. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards. For more information, visit www.vickidelany.com.
Deborah Delaronde
Angele Delaunois
Christine Delezenne
Barbara Demers
Dominique Demers Dominique Demers has a PhD in children's literature and has written nearly thirty books for children. Many of her stories have become films. Dominique taught children's literature classes at the Université du Québec à Montréal for fifteen years and continues to give conferences across Canada on the joy of reading. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Linda DeMeulemeester Linda DeMeulemeester is the author of the critically acclaimed Grim Hill series. The Secret of Grim Hill won the Silver Birch award in 2008. Her other books have been nominated or shortlisted for several awards, including the British Columbia Young Readers' Choice Red Cedar Award, the Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Diamond Willow Award and the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award. Also a teacher, DeMeulemeester enjoys sharing her lifelong love of reading with children. For more information, visit www.grimhill.com.
Stephane Denis Stephane Denis is an award-winning artist from Ottawa, Canada. His work has been published across North America and overseas. Visit his website at www.stephdenis.com.
K.L. Denman

K.L. Denman has written many novels for youth, including the Orca Currents titles Destination Human and Agent Angus. She lives in Delta, British Columbia. For more information, visit kldenman.com.
Angela Dennis
Odeila Dennis
Elizabeth Denny
Geneviève Després Geneviève Després completed a degree in industrial design at the Université de Montréal but decided instead to pursue her first passion: drawing. After spending a few years in Europe exploring different techniques, Geneviève returned to Quebec. Since then, she has illustrated many French books for children and is beginning to illustrate English books as well. Geneviève lives in Saint-Lambert on the south shore of Montreal, Quebec, with her family. For more information, visit www.genevievedespres.ca.
Helene Desputeaux
Holly DeWolf
Cleve Dheensaw Cleve Dheensaw has been a sportswriter with the Victoria Times Colonist for twenty-eight years. He has covered a total of six Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Cleve lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Tommy Dick Tommy Dick was born in 1925 in Budapest, Hungary. Following the Soviet liberation of Hungary in 1945, he made his way to a Displaced Persons camp in Austria and then, in 1948, immigrated to Canada. He worked as a labourer on a hydroelectric dam in Stewartville, near Ottawa, after which he lived in Montreal for three years. He moved west, settling in Calgary, where he started his own business manufacturing aluminum windows. He met and married Lilian in 1954 and they had two daughters. At the age of thirty-six, Tommy enrolled in law school and was called to the bar in 1967 at the age of forty-two. He practiced law in Calgary for thirty years. Tommy Dick passed away in 1999.
Kelly DiDomenico
Cherie Dimaline Cherie Dimaline is a Métis author and editor whose award-winning fiction has been published and anthologized internationally. Her first book, Red Rooms, was published in 2007, and her novel The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy was released in 2013. In 2014, she was named the Emerging Artist of the Year at the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and became the first Aboriginal Writer in Residence for the Toronto Public Library. Her book A Gentle Habit was published in August 2016. The Marrow Thieves has won the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Kirkus Prize; it is a finalist for the White Pine Award, was named to the Globe and Mail Top 100 and was selected for CBC’s Canada Reads.
Angela K. Doak Angela Doak is a collage artist and photographer. All of her work is done first as collage, made up of fabric, candy and gum wrappers, misprints, junk mail and just about anything else that fits the image she's making at the time. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband and two children.
Holly Dobbie Holly Dobbie is a former high-school teacher with a heart for the underdog. Her teaching experiences and volunteer work with at-risk youth through the Red Cross Child Abuse Prevention Program has taught her that change is needed at almost every level of the middle- and high-school environments. She is passionate about this subject and hopes that the status quo can be not only shaken up, but also changed for the better. She lives with her family in Langley, British Columbia.
Starr Dobson
Sandra L. Dodge Sandra Dodge grew up in New England, where she earned a diploma in art and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of New Hampshire. She also obtained a master's degree in mental health counseling from New England College. Before becoming a licensed children's therapist, Sandra taught for many years. Sandra has written and illustrated several children's books. Her Acadian, Celtic and Indigenous roots inspire her stories, poetry and artwork.
Dayle Dodwell
Susan Doherty Hannaford Susan Doherty Hannaford is a Montreal, Quebec-based writer. Her affiliations include the Quebec Writers' Federation (QWF), the YMCA, and the Douglas Institute. She has done extensive research in the areas of mental illness, and is currently working on a biography about an Ottawa woman's lifelong battle with schizophrenia. Learn more at susandohertyhannaford.com.
Marian Domanski Marian Domanski was born Marian Finkelman in Otwock, Poland in 1928. He lost both his parents in the war and lived in various villages in the Polish countryside between 1941 and 1945, posing as a Polish-Catholic herdsman. After the war, Marian Domanski remained in Poland, where he joined the Polish air force and then worked as a photographer. He married his wife, Cesia, in 1964 and his daughter was born a year later. They moved to Denmark in 1968 and immigrated to Canada two years later. Marian Domanski worked in the printing business in Toronto and still lives there. He is very active in the Polish-Jewish Heritage Foundation of Canada and has had a number of exhibits of his photography in his hometown of Otwock, Poland.
Theo Dombrowski Theo Dombrowski is a retired teacher who now divides his time between writing, painting, and environmental pursuits. He lives in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia.
Jeffrey C. Domm
Kristin Bieber Domm
Alexis Domney
Natasha Donovan Natasha Donovan is a freelance artist and illustrator from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her sequential work has been published in The Other Side anthology and will appear in the forthcoming anthology This Place: 150 Years Retold. She is the illustrator of the award-winning children's book, The Sockeye Mother. Natasha is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.
Philippa Dowding Philippa Dowding has worked as a magazine writer and copywriter. Her clients have included magazine publishers, fundraisers, advertising agencies, ngos, movie producers, website owners and others. She has won magazine awards for Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Zoomer, Today’s Parent, Canada’s History and more. Her poetry and short fiction have appeared in Taddle Creek magazine, Middle Shelf Magazine, The Adirondack Review, The Literary Review of Canada and other journals. 

Her children’s books have been nominated for awards in Canada, the United States and Europe, including the SYRCA Diamond Willow, OLA Silver Birch Express and Red Maple, Hackmatack and the White Raven Awards. In 2017, her book Myles and the Monster Outside was an OLA Silver Birch Express Honor Book. Dowding lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.pdowding.com.
Christian Down
Paula Draper Dr. Paula Draper is a historian and educator. An early advocate of memory history, she oversaw the videotaping of interviews with four hundred survivors in Toronto, then became lead international trainer for Steven Spielberg's USC Shoah Foundation. She has taught at several Canadian universities, was vice-president of the Association for Canadian Jewish Studies and has created texts for Holocaust-related exhibits in Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia. She is now researching the postwar experiences of Canadian Holocaust survivors. Dr. Draper lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Penny Draper Penny Draper is the award-winning author of numerous books for kids and teens. Raised in Toronto, Ontario, she now lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.pennydraper.ca.
Deborah Drew-Brook Deborah Drew-Brook is a freelance illustrator who frequently collaborates with her husband, Allan Cormack. Visit her website at www.aarart.com.
Anne Dublin Anne Dublin is a former teacher-librarian and award-winning author living in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing has won many honors and awards, including the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award, and the American Library Association's Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended Feminist Read for Youth designation.
Judy Dudar
Adele Dueck
Marianne Dumas Marianne Dumas is a French-Canadian teacher, author and artist. The Fox and the Fisherman is a translation of her first book, Le pêcheur et le renard, which has been nominated for many literary awards.
Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis (Ojibway Anishinaabe) is a member of Nipissing First Nation. She is an educator, researcher, artist and motivational speaker who has over fifteen years' experience focusing on issues that relate to Indigenous education, leadership and diversity, engagement and the importance of relationship-building today.
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Wallace Edwards Wallace Edwards is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and an award-winning author and illustrator. His paintings and illustrations are found in public and private collections, books, magazines and on public display in Canada and the United States. Wallace lives in Yarker, Ontario. For more information, visit www.wallace-edwards-art.com.
Catherine Egan
Sheila Egoff

Sheila Egoff discovered the public library in her hometown of Galt, Ontario, at age eight, more than eighty years ago. Her love of books led to a life devoted to the promotion of children's literature and librarianship. Many of today's children's librarians credit Sheila with instilling in them a philosophy of librarianship that values literary quality and bringing books to each and every child.
Earl Einarson Earl Einarson is a member of the Ktunaza First Nation in British Columbia. He lives in Vancouver. The Moccasins is his first children's book; he is working on his second book.
Anita Ekstein Anita Helfgott Ekstein was born July 18, 1934, in Lwów, Poland, and was raised in the small town of Synowódzko Wyzne (present-day Verkhneye Sinevidnoye, Ukraine). The only known survivor of her community, Anita reunited with her Aunt Sala after the war, and together they immigrated to Paris in 1946 and to Toronto in 1948. Anita married Frank Ekstein on June 5, 1955, and then raised three children. In 1985, she graduated alongside one of her sons from York University with a bachelor of arts in psychology. Anita is a volunteer with the Circle of Care centre for seniors and is involved with a study group of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada. A Holocaust educator since 1989, Anita founded a group for child survivors and hidden children in Toronto, has chaired the March of the Living three times and has been a survivor participant eighteen times. Anita continues to be a prominent speaker with the Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre of Toronto and has been the recipient of a number of awards and tributes. Anita was instrumental in designating her rescuers, the Matusiewicz family, with Yad Vashem's title of Righteous Among the Nations.
Alicia Elliott Alicia Elliott is a Tuscarora writer living in Brantford, Ontario.
George Elliott Clarke
Deborah Ellis
Desmond Anthony Ellis Desmond Anthony Ellis was born in Ireland, but has lived in Toronto since 1972. In addition to writing, he has worked as an actor in Dublin, London and Paris. He lives with his wife in Toronto’s west end with an ever changing number of stray animals that wander in from the park behind their house.
Laurie Elmquist Laurie Elmquist holds an MA in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Windsor in Ontario and has been published in several magazines and anthologies. A teacher at Camosun College in Victoria, British Columbia, and an online instructor at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Laurie has served as a judge for several competitions, including the Canadian Authors Association's Literary Awards. When she's not writing, Laurie enjoys exploring the beaches of the west coast, from California to Vancouver Island. For more information, visit laurieelmquist.com.
Scott Ely Scott Ely received his MFA from the University of Arkansas and taught writing at Winthrop University in South Carolina. He published five novels and four collections of short stories. The Elephant Mountains was his first novel for young adult readers.
Prudence Emery Prudence Emery was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, educated in Vancouver and then lived in London, UK, and Toronto, Ontario, before moving to Victoria, British Columbia.
Carolyn Epperly Carolyn M. Epperly is a nationally renowned professional artist. She is a Member of Excellence of the South Carolina Watermedia Society, serving as its president in 2011 and 2017. A lifelong L.M. Montgomery reader and frequent visitor to Prince Edward Island, she is a proud Virginian who now lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Other children's books she has illustrated include Grammy Comes to Visit and Sammy and the Day Care Bear. For more information, visit www.carolynepperly.com.
Elizabeth Rollins Epperly Elizabeth Rollins Epperly, first female president of the University of Prince Edward Island and founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at UPEI, grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Epperly has published books on Montgomery's writing, photography and scrapbooks. For more information, visit www.elizabethepperly.com.
Alex Epstein
Ann Eriksson Ann Eriksson lives on Thetis Island, British Columbia, with her husband in a waterfront house surrounded by ocean and trees and a lot of amazing and beautiful wildlife. When she's not writing, working in biology or helping protect the environment, she's out exploring the ocean and beaches by foot, kayak and sailboat. For more information, visit www.anneriksson.ca.
Lyle Ernst
Maria Eugenia
Andy Everson
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David Fadden
Katherine Farris Katherine Farris was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and after university moved to Toronto, Ontario, where she worked at Toronto Life Magazine, Greey de Pencier Books and OWL Magazine, researching and editing a wide variety of projects, from rail guides to western and eastern Canada for Greey de Pencier to kids' question-and-answer books for OWL. During that time she began painting, and now, living in Victoria, British Columbia, her focus is primarily on art and playing the alto sax.
Marilyn Faucher Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Marilyn Faucher is an honors graduate of Université du Québec à Montréal's graphic design program, specializing in illustration. Her contemporary style brings a fresh perspective to traditional techniques, resulting in sensitive yet vibrant illustrations. As a child Marilyn used to play in the woods with her friends, looking for a secret world. She would talk to, draw and write stories about the animals that crossed her path, and even at a young age, she was passionate about drawing. When she's not working on her illustration projects, Marilyn finds inspiration in ghost stories, woods, witches, animals and adventures. Marilyn lives in a small town not far from Montreal, Quebec, with a cat named Feta. For more information, visit marilynfaucher.com.
Sarah Felix Burns Sarah has a degree in women's studies and history from the University of British Columbia and a masters degree in social work from the University of Toronto. Sarah's first novel Jackfish, The Vanishing Village was published in late 2007 and won the 2009 Northern Lit Award. Originally from a village outside of Sault Ste. Marie in northern Ontario, Sarah now lives in Colorado but still considers Canada her home.
Eva Felsenburg Marx
Eugenie Fernandes Eugenie Fernandes is one of Canada's most established children's author-illustrators, with more than ninety books to her credit. Her paintings for illustrations have been used by UNICEF to create cards and puzzles and by One Hen, Inc. to create award-winning educational websites. Her paintings from the books Earth Magic and One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference are on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, and Earth Magic was short-listed for Canada's Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration. Eugenie graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and now lives in Lakehurst, Ontario, where she writes and paints in a studio made of glass.
Marianne Ferrer Marianne Ferrer was born in Venezuela and immigrated to Canada in 1998. After attending Dawson College in Montreal, Quebec, for illustration and design, she completed her education in graphic design at the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her style is characterized by its charm, delicacy and depth. Marianne lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Rita Feutl Born in Toronto to immigrant parents, Rita Feutl learned English after she started school and discovered all the books in the library. She wrote her first story when she was seven. Rita grew up to be a journalist, editor and teacher. She writes books for kids and young adults when she’s not cycling or traveling or—best of all—cycling and traveling. Rita lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband.
Felicity Finn
Breanna Fischer Small Displays of Chaos is the first novel from emerging writer Breanna Fischer and is based on her own experience of being diagnosed as anorexic with bulimic behaviors in 2010. In 2014, Breanna was accepted into the Writing For Film & TV program at the Vancouver Film School, where she studied writing for features, teleplays, sketches, comic books and animation. Her script inspired by a single moment of Small Displays of Chaos was produced and made into a short film in 2015.
Izra Fitch
Sheree Fitch Sheree Fitch has won almost every major award for Canadian children's literature, including the 2000 Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People, which acknowledges a "body of work inspirational to Canadian children." She has over twenty-five books to her credit. Her home base is on the east coast of Canada.
Emma Fitzgerald Emma FitzGerald has followed a career path that is part architecture, part art, receiving a bfa in Visual Art from the University of British Columbia in 2004 and a Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University in 2008. Her art is characterized by on-site drawing, place-based research and a sense of the poetic. She is the author of Hand Drawn Halifxawww.emmafitzgerald.ca.
R.S. Fleming R.S. Fleming was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and has lived in Pierrefonds, Quebec; Mississauga, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Prince Edward County, Ontario. He served for twenty-five years in the RCAF as an aviation technician and instrument electrician and was awarded a Canadian Forces’ Decoration and clasp as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for meritorious service. Fleming is now a full-time author.
Julie Flett Julie Flett studied fine arts at Concordia University in Montreal and Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver. She received the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize and was nominated for the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature for her book Owls See Clearly at Night: A Michif Alphabet / Lii Yiiboo Nayaapiwak lii Swer: L'alphabet di Michif. Julie is Cree-Métis and currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit julieflett.com. Follow her on Twitter @julie_flett.
Helen Flook Helen Flook was born and grew up in the beautiful countryside of Wales. She has a Degree in Graphic Design from the Norwich School of Art. Helen has illustrated numerous children's books, including many Orca picture books and early chapter books in the Orca Echoes series. She lives and works in Abergwyngregyn, a village in Wales.
Melanie Florence Melanie Florence is a writer of Cree and Scottish heritage based in Toronto. She was close to her grandfather as a child, a relationship that sparked her interest in writing about Indigenous themes and characters. She is the author of Missing Nimama, which won the 2016 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award and is a Forest of Reading Golden Oak Finalist. Her other books include Righting Canada's Wrongs: Residential Schools and the teen novels He Who Dreams, The Missing, One Night, and Rez Runaway. For more information, visit www.melanieflorence.com.
Pam Fluttert
Cheryl Foggo
Virginia Football
Scott A. Ford Scott A. Ford is an independent comic creator, illustrator and graphic designer from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Frieda Forman Frieda Forman helped establish the Women's Educational Resources Centre at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and continues to research and translate the works of important but forgotten Yiddish women writers.
Mark Foss Born in Ottawa, Ontario, and currently living in Montreal, Quebec, Mark Foss attended Carleton University, where he earned degrees in journalism and film studies. His works include the novel Spoilers and the short story collection Kissing the Damned. His radio drama Higher Ground has been broadcast on CBC Radio. Learn more at www.markfoss.ca.
Kelly Fournel
Barbara Fradkin Barbara Fradkin is a child psychologist with a fascination for how people turn bad. Her compelling short stories haunt numerous magazines and anthologies, but she is best known for her two series of gritty, psychological novels, one featuring Ottawa police inspector Michael Green and the more recent one with foreign-aid worker Amanda Doucette. Barbara won Arthur Ellis Best Novel Awards for both Fifth Son (2005) and Honour Among Men (2007). Her work as a school psychologist helping adolescents and younger children, many of whom struggle with reading, has also made her a strong advocate of programs that help develop reading as a lifelong passion. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information, visit barbarafradkin.com.
Mayann Francis The Honorable Mayann Francis blazed a trail from her birth in a working-class community on Cape Breton Island and became the thirty-first lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia, serving from 2006 to 2012, the first African Nova Scotian to hold the position. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Leanne Franson Leanne Franson is a children's illustrator from Martensville, Saskatchewan. Visit her website at www.leannefranson.com.
Ivan Fraser
John Freund John Freund was born in 1930 in Ceské Budejovice, a town located south of Prague, in Czechoslovakia. At the age of twelve, he was deported with his family to the Theresienstadt camp in the Czech garrison town of Terezin and then, in December 1943, to Auschwitz. In January 1945, the Nazis evacuated the camp and John was forced on a death march ahead of the advancing Soviet army from January to April 1945. He was liberated by American troops in 1945. In March 1948, John immigrated to Toronto. He became a chartered accountant and, in 1959, married his wife, Nora. They raised three daughters and are proud grandparents who still travel the world.
Colin Frizzell Colin Frizzell is an author, poet and screenwriter who was raised on a farm in Prince Edward County, Ontario. He is a Radio Broadcasting graduate of Loyalist College of Arts and Technology and has also studied television, film, acting, and improvisation as well as working on features in both Canada and the United Kingdom. Colin's books have received critical acclaim across North America, have been translated into Swedish and Norwegian, and have been adopted into the curriculum of several Ontario high schools. He lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.colinfrizzell.ca.
Alma Fullerton Alma Fullerton is the award-winning author of books for children of all ages. For more information, visit www.almafullerton.com.
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Dayle Campbell Gaetz Dayle Campbell Gaetz has worked as a creative-writing instructor, book editor and columnist but now devotes her time to her own writing. Gaetz is the author of over twenty books for young people and adults. Gaetz grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, and now lives in Campbell River. For more information, visit www.daylegaetz.com.
Darlene Gait Darlene Gait was born on Vancouver Island and began painting as a child. Inspired by nature and by her Coast Salish heritage, Darlene brings a rich understanding of the natural world to her work, which is held in private collections and exhibited worldwide. Darlene lives in Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.onemoon.ca.
Bree Galbraith

Bree Galbraith is a graduate student of the Emily Carr University of Art + Design. She uses narrative in much of her work and was thrilled when a class project became her first published children’s book. Bree works as a graphic designer in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Lennie Gallant
Susan Garfield Born Zsuzsanna Loeffler in Budapest in 1933, Susan Garfield immigrated to Canada as a war orphan in 1948 and lived in Vegreville, Alberta, before moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she still lives. Her Hungarian to English translation of her wartime diary was published in Voices of Winnipeg Holocaust Survivors (2010), and her story as a new immigrant to Canada was told in Holocaust Survivors in Canada: Exclusion, Inclusion, Transformation, 1947–1955 (2015).
Elizabeth Gatt

Elizabeth Gatt was born in London, England, and has an MA in graphic design from the Central School of Art and Design. She worked for a number of years at the Natural History Museum in London and began illustrating children's books after her two children were born. Elizabeth now lives in Burlington, Ontario.
Gareth Gaudin Gareth Gaudin is a cartoonist and comic-book creator from Victoria, British Columbia. He discovered comic books when he was five years old and knew immediately that they would become his life's work. He started photocopying and selling his comics in elementary school, self-publishing hundreds of his own creations, and eventually became the owner of a vintage comic-book shop, where he sells his comics from the front counter to this day. He lives, works and breathes comic books and comic-book history. For more information, visit perogycat.com.
Clayton Gauthier Clayton Gauthier has apprenticed under the artist Peter George, a Wet'suwet'en master carver. He has also completed murals and carvings for the community of Prince George, British Columbia. Clayton works with youth in the school district and in his home community to share art and storytelling. He is a multimedia artist whose skills include drawing, painting, carving, drum and rattle making, logos, mirror etching, tattoos, graphic art and murals.
Maurice Gee Maurice Gee is one of New Zealand's finest writers, with nearly fifty books for adults and young adults and a number of prestigious awards to his credit. A former teacher, Maurice was first inspired to write after reading Charles Dickens as a teenager. However, it was not until he reached his mid-40s that he became a full-time writer. Gee, who was named an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Icon Artist as one of the ten greatest living artists in New Zealand, came out of retirement to write the Salt Trilogy. He lives in Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island.
Sabrina Gendron Sabrina Gendron has a degree in visual arts from Cégep de Ste-Foy, as well as 2D/3D animation from Collège Bart. She loves to work on animation and visual arts projects and has illustrated a number of French-language books. Her art is colorful and lively and will make you want to dive into the worlds she has created. Sabrina lives in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. For more information, visit sabrinagendron.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @sab.gendron.
Giannis Georgantelis Giannis Georgantelis has composed music for theatrical plays, multimedia projects and festivals, as well as musical ensembles. Giannis is also an accomplished orchestrator, having arranged many different folk songs of the Mediterranean for his group Carousel. His discography includes two CDs and two children’s operas, which received great critical acclaim in Greece.
Mary Jane Gerber Mary Jane Gerber loves children and has illustrated many books for them. She lives in Orangeville, Ontario, with her family and a Sheltie named Duncan.
Natale Ghent Natale Ghent was born in Brookfield, Illinois. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of Guelph. Natale is a full-time writer.
Charles Ghigna Charles Ghigna, or Father Goose®, lives in a treehouse in the middle of Alabama. He is the author of more than 100 award-winning books from Random House, Disney, Hyperion, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Time Inc., Abrams, Boyds Mills Press, Charlesbridge, Capstone, Orca and other publishers. He has served as poet-in-residence and chair of creative writing at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and as a nationally syndicated feature writer for Tribune Media Services. For more information, visit www.FatherGoose.com.
Karen Gillmore Karen Gillmore has been an artist since she could hold crayons. In addition to being a children's book illustrator, she also draws and writes comics and illustrates graphic novels. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.karengillmoreart.com.
Rachna Gilmore Rachna Gilmore is the Governor General’s Award-winning author of over twenty bestselling children’s books, which have won multiple honors and awards. Her books are sold internationally and have been translated into over a dozen languages. For more information, visit www.rachnagilmore.blogspot.com.
Gaston Gingras
Dave Glaze
Susan Glickman
Dale Nigel Goble For the past fifteen years Dale Nigel Goble has created award-winning multidisciplinary work, using graphic design, illustration, painting, screen printing and sculpture. His artwork appears in private and corporate collections around the world and has been featured in design magazines, newspapers and various digital media. Recent clients include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the United Nations and several other clients, both large and small. He lives in Duncan, British Columbia. For more information, visit dngstudio.com.
Christy Goerzen

Christy Goerzen holds a Master of Arts in Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a book reviewer, copywriter, marketing consultant, television writer, bookseller, university instructor and writing mentor. Born and raised on the West Coast, Christy lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and two funny cats.
Jennifer Gold Jennifer Gold is a lawyer and mother of two and the author of the YA historical fiction book Soldier Doll. A history buff, she also has degrees in psychology, law and public health. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.jennifergold.ca.
Silvana Goldemberg
Leona Gom Leona Gom is a poet and novelist, originally from northern Alberta. She is the award-winning author of six poetry collections and eight novels. In 1980 she won the Canadian Authors Association Award for Land of the Peace, and in 1986, she won the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize for Housebroken. Her novel The Y Chromosome has been used in women's studies and sociology courses. Gom now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Filomenu Gomes
Beth Goobie Beth Goobie grew up in a family in which the appearance of a normal childhood hid many secrets. She moved away to attend university, became a youth residential treatment worker and studied creative writing at the University of Alberta. She is the award-winning author of over twenty novels, including The Pain Eater, The Lottery, the CLA Award-winning Before Wings, and the adult novel The First Principles of Dreaming. Beth makes her home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Daniel Goodwin Daniel Goodwin is the author of Catullus's Soldiers, winner of the 2016 Vine Jewish Book Award for Poetry, as well as the novel Sons and Fathers. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Goodwin has lived and worked across Canada. His writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Calgary Herald, The Telegraph Journal, The Antigonish Review, and The Literary Review of Canada. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife and three children.
Vivien Gorham Vivien Gorham has been writing stories and riding horses since she was eight years old. Raised in Minnesota, she has worked in the Northwest Territories, Alaska’s Denali National Park and on a dude ranch in Montana. She lives in Nova Scotia.
Elly Gotz Elly Gotz was born in 1928, in Kaunas, Lithuania. After the war, his family lived in a Displaced Persons camp for two years before immigrating to Norway and then Zimbabwe. Elly graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. He married in 1958 and immigrated to Toronto in 1964. In Toronto, Elly achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. In 2017, at 89, he fulfilled another aeronautical dream by going skydiving. Elly has educated thousands of students and 2018 will mark his third trip on the educational tour the March of Remembrance and Hope.
Heather Gould
Loretta Gould
Selena Goulding Selena Goulding is a Canadian illustrator and comic-book artist from Vancouver Island who currently lives in Toronto. A graduate of the Sequential Arts Program at Toronto's Max the Mutt Animation School, she is best known for her work on young-adult indie comics such as Cobble Hill, publishing with 215 Ink.
Gwethalyn Graham Gwethalyn Graham was born January 18, 1913 in Toronto, Ontario. At the age of 25, in 1938, she won her first Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction for her novel Swiss Sonata. After Earth and High Heaven, Graham wrote for Saturday Night, Chatelaine, and for film and television, and completed a collection of letters with Solange Chaput Roland titled Dear Enemies (1963). Graham died in 1965.
Shauntay Grant Shauntay Grant is a writer and performance artist. She is the author of several award-winning books for children and served as Halifax's poet laureate from 2009 to 2011. Her other honors include a Poet of Honour prize from Spoken Word Canada and a Joseph S. Stauffer Prize in Writing and Publishing. She currently teaches creative writing at Dalhousie University. For more information, visit www.shauntaygrant.com.
Vicki Grant Vicki Grant is the award-winning author of sixteen books for teens. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.vickigrant.com.
Elise Gravel Elise Gravel is an award-winning author and illustrator of the Olga and the Disgusting Critters series. Well known for her odd creatures and unusual drawing style, Elise creates books that are popular with adults and children alike. In 2012 she won the Governor's General Award for French-language children's illustration. Elise lives in Montreal with her husband, two daughters and two cranky cats.
Judith Graves Judith Graves writes YA fiction and is an award-winning writer and screenwriter. She lives in northern Alberta. For more information, visit www.judithgraves.com.
Jane Gray
Monique Gray Smith Monique Gray Smith is a mixed-heritage woman of Cree, Lakota and Scottish ancestry and a proud mom of twins. Monique is an accomplished consultant, writer and international speaker. Her first novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, won the 2014 Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature. Monique and her family are blessed to live on Lekwungen territory in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.littledrum.com.
Patti Grayson
E. Graziani E. Graziani is a teacher, author and lifelong learner.Her book War in My Town was selected by the Canadian Children's Book Centre as one of its Best Books for Kids and Teens. She resides in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and four daughters. For more information, visit www.egraziani1.wix.com/egrazianiauthor.
Daphne Greer Daphne Greer is the author of Maxed Out, a 2013 YALSA Quick Picks nominee, and Jacob's Landing, which was a 2016 Hackmatack and 2016 Silver Birch finalist and was on the Best Books for Kids & Teens list from the Canadian Children's Book Centre. Daphne lives in Newport, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.daphnegreer.com.
Dean Griffiths Dean Griffiths is a popular picture-book artist with more than twenty-five titles to his name. His many awards include the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Book Prize for Maggie Can't Wait and the Chocolate Lily Award for Ballerinas Don't Wear Glasses. Dean lives in Duncan, British Columbia, with his daughter. For more information, visit www.deans-art.com.
Gabrielle Grimard Gabrielle Grimard has been drawing since she was young. Her passion for drawing and painting led her to pursue studies in fine arts and arts education at Concordia University. After she had her first child, she began her career as an illustrator. She moved from Montreal to Waterville, Quebec, where she now lives with her two children, several chickens and her husband, who builds wooden boats. They share an old barn as their artists' studio. For more information, visit gabriellegrimard.com.
Isabelle Groc Isabelle Groc is a writer, wildlife photographer, filmmaker and speaker who focuses on environmental issues, wildlife natural history and conservation, endangered species and the changing relationships between people and their environments. Her stories and photographs have appeared in numerous publications, and her wildlife films have been shown in communities and festivals around the world. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit isabellegroc.com.
Doretta Groenendyk Doretta Groenendyk, a painter, writer and teacher, lives with her family on a small spot of land in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Doretta is the illustrator of the children's book Bounce & Beans & Burn and the author and illustrator of several books, including Hockey Morning Noon and Night, I'm drawing a picture, I'm Writing a Story, Bully 101 and Step Outside. Her books Snow for Christmas and Thank You for My Bed both have been shortlisted for the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. She also co-wrote Spin to Sea with daughter Izra Fitch. For more information, visit www.doretta-art.com.
Darren Groth Darren Groth is the author of several novels, including the acclaimed YA works Are You Seeing Me? and Munro vs. the Coyote. He was the winner of the 2016 Adelaide Festival Award for Young Adult Fiction and has been a finalist in numerous other prestigious prizes, including the Governor General's Literary Award, the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize and the CBCA Book of the Year. Darren is a former special-education teacher and the proud father of a son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He lives in Delta, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.darrengroth.com.
Simon Groth Simon Groth is a writer and editor whose books include Off The Record: 25 Years of Music Street Press and Hunted Down and Other Tales. Simon's work and reporting on the future of the book with Queensland Writers Centre has seen him travel the globe to discuss and explore the challenges and opportunities for writers and readers in a digital world. He lives in Brisbane, Australia. For more information, visit www.simongroth.com.
Sonia Gueldenpfennig
Jacqueline Guest Jacqueline Guest has written over a dozen books for young readers, specializing in sports themes and historical fiction. Many of her main characters come from different ethnic backgrounds, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Her books have been finalists for the Willa award and the High Plains Book Awards. For more information, visit www.jacquelineguest.com.
Kristina Guevremont
Elisa Gutierrez
David Gutnick David Gutnick makes radio documentaries for the CBC. Over the past thirty years he's done stories on former child slaves in Togo, secret religious services in Beijing and ballet dancers in an American maximum-security prison. He also writes about art and trains for Ironman triathlons. David lives in Montreal, Quebec, with his wife and dog and has a grown daughter and stepson.
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Talleen Hacikyan
Ron Hall Ron Hall is an Aboriginal artist of Okanagan and Thompson ancestry and is a member of the Osoyoos Band. The father of five children, he is recognized for his efforts to protect the environment and the rights of Native people. He participated in an art exhibit at the Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Moscow and in Siberia. One of his paintings is in the permanent collection of the National Gallery in Ottawa. Ron resides in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Dancing with the Cranes is Ron's first book with Theytus.
Jacqueline Halsey Jacqueline Halsey is the author of the award-winning book Peggy’s Letters, as well as Bluenose Adventure. She lives in Nova Scotia.
Marilyn Halvorson Blue Moon is Marilyn Halvorson's second book in the Orca Soundings series. Bull Rider was an ALA Quick Pick nominee. When she is not caring for cattle on her ranch, Marilyn spends her time writing. For more information, visit www.marilynhalvorson.ca.
Sigune Hamann
Marie-Micheline Hamelin
Joann Hamilton-Barry Joann Hamilton-Barry is a librarian and author living in Saint John, New Brunswick. She enjoys cooking and reading, but her favorite activity is walking her dog with her husband.
Jo Hammond

Born a stone's throw from the English Channel in Bognor Regis,Jo Hammond emigrated to the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada in 1967 on a 6,000 ton freighter, sailing with a cargo of Rolls Royces, Robertsons' Marmalade, and Cutty Sark Whisky. Jo lives in an orchard by the sea just outside Gibsons with three cats and a vast collection of music.

Kristie Hammond
Femida Handy
Gail F. Harcombe
Melissa Hardy Melissa Hardy has published five novels and two collections of short stories, including Broken Road, The Uncharted Heart and A Cry of Bees. She won the Journey Prize in 1994 and has been published in numerous journals, including The Atlantic, Exile and Descant. She lives in the village of Port Stanley, Ontario.
Kate Hargreaves Kate Hargreaves (aka Pain Eyre) is a writer, book designer and roller-derby skater. She is the author of Talking Derby: Stories from a Life on Eight Wheels and Leak, a collection of poems. She lives in Windsor, Ontario, and helped found the city's roller-derby league, the Border City Brawlers. When she's not working or skating, Kate spends her time cycling with her husband and cuddling with Winn the cat.
Lisa Harrington Lisa Harrington’s first novel, Rattled, was published to critical acclaim in 2010 and was followed by the bestselling and award-winning Live to Tell. She holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Acadia and has worked as a childcare worker and a teacher. A lifelong resident of Nova Scotia, Harrington currently resides in Halifax.
Matilda Harrison
Christine Hart
Brian Harvey

Brian Harvey is a scientist and writer. He holds a PhD in marine biology and specializes in conservation of aquatic biodiversity. Brian’s first nonfiction book for a general audience, The End of the River, was published in 2008. He is currently finishing a second nonfiction book about sailing around Vancouver Island and is working on several fiction projects. Brian lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.brianharvey.org.
Sarah N. Harvey Sarah N. Harvey writes for both children and young adults. Some of her books have been translated into Korean, French, German and Slovenian. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she works as a children's book editor. For more information, visit www.sarahnharvey.com.
Alyxandra Harvey-Fitzhenry Alyxandra Harvey-Fitzhenry studied Creative Writing and Literature at York University and has had her poetry published in The Antigonish Review, Room of One's Own, OnSpec and CV2. When not writing, she is a belly dancer and jewelry-maker. She lives in an old farmhouse with her husband, hawk and 2 dogs. Her website is www.waking.ca.
Brenda Hasiuk

Brenda Hasiuk is an award-winning short-fiction writer whose work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies. Her first novel, Where the Rocks Say Your Name, was nominated for the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award and the McNally Robinson Book of the Year. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the coldest major city on earth, with her husband, author Duncan Thornton. For more information, visit www.brendahasiuk.com.
Holly Hatam Holly Hatam is an illustrator and graphic designer whose work has been featured in greeting cards, prints, clothes and much more. Holly's other passions include snuggling with her hubby and son, spending time hugging trees, filling up her pantry with tea and sticking her nose in a book. For more information, visit www.hollyhatam.com. Follow her on Twitter @hollyhatam.
Hostelma Pauline Hawkins
Susanna Hayes
Emily Hearn
James Hearne James Hearne is an internationally recognized illustrator and graphic designer. He lives in Calgary, Alberta. For more information, visit jameshearnedesign.com.
Colleen Heffernan A Kind of Courage is Colleen Heffernan's first novel for young adult readers. She has previously published two early chapter books and several pieces of short fiction for young readers. Colleen lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
Lisa Heggum Lisa Heggum is a teen services librarian who began her career in New York City and currently works as the Toronto Public Library's Youth Collections Librarian. Lisa has served on young adult book award committees for the Ontario and Canadian Library Associations. She is the first Canadian to be certified as a Young Adult Library Services Association "Serving the Underserved" trainer, and has presented at numerous library conferences. Lisa won the inaugural Ontario Public Library Association Leadership in Youth Services Award.
Robert Heidbreder Robert Heidbreder has been enchanting children with his joyful poems and rhymes and his brilliant performances for more than two decades. Robert lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Jessica Hein
Jane Heinrichs Jane Heinrichs is a children's book writer and illustrator. She starts her day at a clear desk with her huge sketchbook (for books) and her tiny sketchbook (for daily drawings) but usually ends up sitting on the floor, surrounded by a collection of paints, pencils and papers. Jane lives in the UK with her family. For more information, visit janeheinrichs.com.
Marilyn Helmer Marilyn Helmer was born in St. John's, Newfoundland. Marilyn's stories, poems and articles have appeared in children's magazines and anthologies in Canada and the United States. Her published books include picturebooks, chapter books, novels, riddle books and retold fairy tales. For more information, visit www.marilynhelmer.com.
Scott B. Henderson Scott B. Henderson has worked as an illustrator for comics, portraiture and advertising art. He is author/illustrator of the sci-fi/fantasy comic The Chronicles of Era and has illustrated two comics for the Canadian Air Force's For Valour series, the bestselling graphic-novel series 7 Generations, selected titles from the Tales from Big Spirit series, and the graphic novels Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story, Eisner-award nominee A Blanket of Butterflies and Fire Starters. For more information, visit www.scotthendersonart.wordpress.com.
Linda Hendry
James Heneghan A former fingerprint specialist with the Vancouver Police Department, James Heneghan has won numerous awards for his books for young readers, including the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Award three times for Flood, Wish Me Luck and The Grave. James lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.jamesheneghan.com.
Tasha Henry Tasha Henry has been traveling, writing and teaching for over twenty years. She currently lives on unceded Lekwungen territory in Victoria, British Columbia.
Janet Hepburn Janet Hepburn is a writer and poet. Her poetry has appeared in a number of journals and anthologies. Her poetry was shortlisted in the Free Fall Annual Poetry and Prose Contest. She has been a regular contributor to a regional weekly newspaper, writing personal life stories of passion and success. Her travel stories have been published online. Flee, Fly, Flown is her first novel. She lives and work in Port Dover, Ontario.
Gyetxw Hetxw'ms (Brett D. Huson) Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson)
Karen Hibbard Karen Hibbard is a free-lance illustrator and draws on a long career as a visual artist. Karen has illustrated picture books for Planète rebelle (Montréal) and Annick Press (Toronto), as well as several activity books for youth with Éditions Mango on behalf of the Musée d'Orsay. Karen is currently teaching art at the University of Victoria and Emily Carr University of Art + Design and previously taught at the University of Manitoba's School of Art.
HildaRose
Ben Hodson Ben Hodson illustrates mostly for children in books, magazines and textbooks. He is the 2004 recipient of the Glass Slipper Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Canadian Conference. He does presentations and workshops at local schools and libraries. Ben lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his wife May and his daughter Zoe. For more information, visit www.benhodson.ca.

Mark Hoffmann Mark Hoffmann is a freelance editorial illustrator, children's-book illustrator, fine artist and professor in the illustration department at Montserrat College of Art in Massachusetts. He lives with his wife and son in the New England area. For more information, visit www.studiohoffmann.com.
Sophie Hogan
Pricilla Holbrook
Heather Holland
Sue Farrell Holler
Heather D. Holmlund Illustrator Heather D. Holmlund has roots in the northern town of Fort Frances, Ontario, where she grew up. Her source of artistic vision has always been the spiritual essence of the Canadian landscape and its people. Heather attended York University in the visual arts program, before making her home in Pickering, Ontario. She is the award-winning illustrator of As Long as the Rivers Flow.
Katherine Holubitsky

Katherine Holubitsky's first novel, Alone at Ninety Foot, (Orca Book Publishers), won the CLA Book of the Year for Young Adults and the IODE Violet Downey Book Award. She has also written Last Summer in Agatha, The Hippie House and The Mountain that Walked, all published by Orca. Katherine lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

Lila Hope-Simpson
Anita Horrocks Anita Horrocks has published several award-winning books for young readers. Anita lives in Lethbridge, Alberta, where she divides her time between working part-time at the library, traveling, hiking, cycling, walking, writing, reading, quilting, baking and doing other grandma things.
Dr. Margret Horvance Dr. Margret Hovance is a psychologist in private practice in Toronto. Her long-standing professional interests are in work-life balance, exploring relationship issues, and women in career transition. She is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is married and her retirement is a work in progress.
Amy Hovey Amy Hovey graduated with an MA in English from the University of Victoria and worked for several years at Orca Book Publishers as an editor. Amy is also a yoga teacher who ran her own studio in downtown Victoria from 2011 to 2015. She is currently at home with toddler boy/girl twins, who are a constant source of humor and inspiration for new writing projects. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Eric Howling Eric Howling is an advertising creative director and the author of several sports novels, including Plunge, Gang Tackle, Head Hunter, Red Zone Rivals, Hoop Magic, Kayak Combat and Drive. His books have been shortlisted for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, named Resource Links Year's Best and picked as a CCBC Best Books selection. Eric lives and plays sports in Calgary, Alberta. For more information, visit www.erichowling.wordpress.com.
Christopher Hoyt Christopher Hoyt is an illustrator living and working in the Maritimes, where he finds himself ever fascinated with local folklore and history. His work can be found in museums across Canada, as well as in dozens of book titles. He also illustrated the popular outdoor-themed book A is for Adventure.
Shelley Hrdlitschka Shelley Hrdlitschka has written many novels for teens, including Sister Wife, which was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award. She lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, where she hikes, snowshoes and hangs out with grizzly bears at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. For more information, visit www.shelleyhrdlitschka.ca.
Kirstie Hudson Kirstie Hudson is an editor and writer in Victoria, British Columbia. She worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for eighteen years at stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Victoria. In her award-winning career as a journalist, Kirstie's work has been recognized with a Jack Webster Award, Radio Television Digital News Association awards and an international Gabriel Award. Over the years she has covered hundreds of stories, including the making of the Witness Blanket. As an instructor at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University, Kirstie shared her love of storytelling with students in writing, communications and journalism.
Alison Hughes Alison Hughes writes for children of all ages, and her books have been nominated for the Governor General's, Silver Birch, Red Cedar, Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Chocolate Lily and Alberta Literary Awards. Alison volunteers for children and literacy and gives frequent presentations at schools, libraries and young-writer conferences. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her family. For more information, visit alisonhughesbooks.com.
Steven P. Hughes Steven P. Hughes is an award-winning Canadian illustrator. He graduated from Sheridan College with a BAA in Illustration. He lives in Bolton, Ontario, with his wife and their two dogs.
Vi Hughes
Maureen Hull
Anne Hunt
Dallas Hunt Dallas Hunt is a teacher, writer, and member of Wapisewsipi (Swan River First Nation) in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta, Canada. As a proponent of language revitalization, his debut book for children, Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock, includes words in Cree. Dallas lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba and enjoys reading great books to his nieces and nephews.
Sue Hunter
Fran Hurcomb Fran Hurcomb arrived in the Northwest Territories in 1975 and immediately succumbed to the spell of the North. She lived on a trapline, ran sled dogs for almost twenty years, built and lived on a houseboat, and has worked at a variety of jobs. Her first children's book was published in 1999, followed by two northern pictorial histories. Fran lives in Yellowknife with her husband, hockey-playing daughter and several pets.
Glen Huser Glen Huser’s novels for young readers have been highly praised and have won a number of awards, such as the Mr. Christie’s Silver Award, the Governor General’s Award and the R. Ross Annett Award. For more information, visit www.glenhuser.com.
Hazel Hutchins From her home in the mountain town of Canmore, Alberta, Hazel has written over forty books for children of all ages. She gives lively presentations at schools and libraries across Canada. For more information, visit www.hazelhutchins.net.
Michael Hutchinson Michael Hutchinson is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. He currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he works with organizations that advocate for First Nation families in Manitoba and across Canada.
Natalie Hyde Natalie Hyde was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and grew up in Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, where she still lives. She spent most of her childhood collecting crickets, toads and tent caterpillars. Natalie lives with her husband and four children in a house with too many stairs, which they share with a little leopard gecko and a cat that desperately wants to eat him. I Owe You One is Natalie's first book for Orca. To learn more about Natalie, please visit www.natalaliehyde.com.
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Tsema Igharas
Kate Inglis Kate Inglis is an author and photographer living on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. She is the author of Flight of the Griffons and The Dread Crew, which was nominated for Hackmatack Children’s Choice and Red Cedar Awards.
Frances Itani

Frances Itani has published numerous books, including Requiem, chosen by the Washington Post as one of 2012's top fiction titles of the year; and the #1 bestseller Deafening, which won a Commonwealth Award, was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and was published in 17 territories. Frances is a Member of the Order of Canada and is a three-time winner of the CBC Literary Award.
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Bronia Jablon Bronia Jablon was born on April 15, 1918, in Dubno, Poland. She survived the war with her daughter, Lucy. After the war, she completed her nursing degree in Russia and had a successful nursing career. She lived in Russia, Poland and Israel before finally emigrating to Canada to be with her daughter and grandchildren in 1967. Bronia passed away in Toronto in 1994.
Johnny (Ephroim) Jablon Johnny (Ephroim) Jablon (né Jan Rothbaum) was born in Krakow, Poland, in 1927. After the war, Johnny spent three years in the Bindermichl DP camp in Austria before immigrating to Montreal as a war orphan. In Montreal, he worked in the garment industry, graduated from Sir George Williams University with a degree in electronics and then co-established Magic Touch TV Sales & Service. In 2018, Johnny is joining the educational tour March of the Living, which will be his first journey back to Poland since his liberation seventy-three years earlier.
Dennis Jackson
Graham Jackson Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Graham Jackson has been a journalist, a playwright, a researcher for Methuen Publishers, and a writer on male-on-male intimacy from a Jungian perspective. He lives in Toronto where, when not writing, he practices as an analytical psychologist. Learn more at www.grahamjacksonauthor.com.
Melanie Jackson Scottish-born and mystery-minded, Melanie Jackson works as a business writer and editor. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit melaniejacksonblog.wordpress.com.
Diane Jacobson Diane Jacobson is a member of the 'Namgis First Nation. She has family ties to the Mamalilakala of Village Island, the Mowachaht of the west coast of Vancouver Island and the Kwagu'l. Diane lives in Alert Bay, British Columbia. My Life in a Kwagu'l Big House is Diane's first published work and her first book with Theytus.
Kate Jaimet

Kate Jaimet is an author and journalist who recently began a freelance career after many years as a daily newspaper reporter for the Ottawa Citizen. Kate lives in Ottawa, Ontario. More information is available at www.katejaimet.com.
Laura James Laura James is an award-winning artist and self-taught painter of Antiguan heritage. Working as a professional artist for many years, she has exhibited widely, including at the Studio Museum, Harlem. She was born in New York City, where she now lives. For more information, visit www.laurajamesart.com.
Catherine Jameson Catherine Jameson is Secwépemc-syilx (Okanagan). She lives in Penticton, British Columbia. This is her first book.
Joanna Jefferson
Glenna Jenkins Glenna Jenkins’s short stories have appeared in Jilted Angels: a Collection of Stories and Riptides: New Island Fiction. Glenna Lives in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with her husband, four children and two dogs. Somewhere I Belong is her first novel.
Maureen Jennings Maureen Jennings was born in the UK and now lives in Toronto, Ontario. She is best known for her Murdoch Mysteries series, which was adapted to film and television. She was awarded the Grant Allen award for contribution to her genre in 2011, and has been nominated eight times for awards from the Crime Writers of Canada. Learn more at maureenjennings.com.
Sharon Jennings
Katherine Jin
Marthe Jocelyn Marthe Jocelyn is the award-winning author and illustrator of over thirty-five books for babies, kids and teens. Her illustrated books have been shortlisted for both the Governor General's Literary Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. In 2009 she was the recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. For more information, visit www.marthejocelyn.com.
Marthe Jocelyn Marthe Jocelyn is the award-winning author and illustrator of over thirty-five books for babies, kids and teens. Her illustrated books have been shortlisted for both the Governor General's Literary Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. In 2009 she was the recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Marthe settled in Stratford, Ontario, after a thirty-year stretch in New York, New York. For more information, visit marthejocelyn.com.
Helena Jockel Helena Jockel (née Kahan) was born in Mukacevo, Czechoslovakia on October 23, 1919. After the war, she returned to Czechoslovakia and in 1948 married her widowed brother-in-law, Emil Jockel. They remained in Czechoslovakia until Helena retired and then moved to Canada in 1988 to join their daughter, Jana. Helena Jockel lives in Halifax.
K.V. Johansen

K.V. Johansen has Master's Degrees in Medieval Studies and in English. She has held the Eileen Wallace Research Fellowship in Children's Literature and received the Frances E. Russell Award for research in children's literature in 2004. Johansen received the Canadian Authors' Association 2006 Lilla Stirling Award; she has had fiction titles nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Diamond Willow Award, shortlisted for the Canadian Association of Children's Librarians Book of the Year for Children Award, and included on the Ontario Library Association's "Best Bets Top Ten List" and VOYA's "Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror" list. For more information, visit www.pippin.ca.
Susan R. Jolliffe Susan Rennick Jolliffe alighted into the world of children's books after many years as a visual artist. She is known for her humorous and beautiful transformations of what most people consider junk. Her books have been inspired by her standard poodle and even wilder Canadian animals. Susan lives in Ottawa, Ontario; she is available for school visits.
Brenda Jones Brenda Jones has illustrated numerous books and is a two-time winner of the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration for her books I is for Island and Skunks for Breakfast. For more information, visit brendajonesart.com.
Carolyn Jones Carolyn Jones teaches high school English and Spanish in Port Coquitlam. She lives in the Strathcona neighbourhood of East Vancouver with her beloved teddy bear, Theodora. Theodora Bear was written to entertain Carolyn's goddaughters, Emma and Sarah. They always want to hear about Theodora's latest adventures, and particularly enjoy stories in which the bear outsmarts the girl she lives with. Carolyn Jones was born in Havana, Cuba, and has lived there, in New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto and Vancouver. Theodora Bear is her first book.
Kari Jones Kari Jones is the author of several well-received books for kids and teens, including A Fair Deal, in the Orca Footprints series. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she teaches English and creative writing at Camosun College. For more information, please visit karijones.ca.
Stéphane Jorisch Stéphane Jorisch is one of Canada's most celebrated illustrators. He is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Award for Children’s Illustration (for Jabberwocky and The Owl and The Pussycat). He grew up in Montreal, Quebec, where he now lives with his family.
Andrew Joseph, Sr. Andrew Joseph, Sr., was born in the 1930s and raised in North Central Washington. At present, Andy still lives with his people on the reservation and is an active cultural leader of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
Katarina Jovanovic Katarina Jovanovic is a writer, teacher, journalistand poet. She has won many awards for her poetry. Katarina, who worked for many years in children's programming for Serbian radio, now resides in Vancouver with her husband and two daughters.
Vanja Vuleta Jovanovic
Mere Joyce Mere Joyce writes short stories as well as novels and holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario. As both a writer and a librarian, she understands the importance of reading and the impact the right story can have on young minds. She lives in Kitchener, Ontario, with her family. For more information, visit www.merejoyce.com.
George Juhasz
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Kathy Kacer

Kathy Kacer has won many awards for her books about the holocaust for young readers, including Hiding Edith, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, Clara’s War and The Underground Reporters. A former psychologist, Kathy tours North America speaking to young people about the importance of remembering the Holocaust. For more information, visit www.kathykacer.com.
Janet Kaszonyi Born in Vancouver, Janet Kaszonyi is a Métis who traces her ancestry back to the Red River Settlement. She grew up with her deaf mother, great aunt and a dog on a farm in a small town called Onoway in Alberta. As an only child, Janet spent hours drawing pictures and exploring the woods, imagining and acting out incredible tales. Today she teaches art and photography and lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Racin' Jason is her first book.
Jennifer Katz Jennifer Katz, PhD, taught for 16 years in diverse classrooms from K to 12, including special education and inclusive classrooms in Winnipeg and Vancouver. She has also served as a resource teacher and counsellor. Dr. Katz received the MCEC Outstanding Achievement Award for Leadership, 2016. She now serves as an Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at the University of British Columbia. www.threeblockmodel.com.
Carol Kauppi
Nelly Kazenbroot Nelly Kazenbroot is a prize-winning painter and writer, and she has been published in literary magazines across Canada. Her projects include everything from picture books, to adult fiction, to large surreal paintings. She lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia with her family. For more information, visit www.nellykazenbroot.com.
Richardo Keens-Douglas Richardo Keens-Douglas is well-known throughout North America and in his native Grenada as an accomplished storyteller. He has published many picture books and had his own television show in Canada. He won the American Storyteller's Association award for his book La Diablesse and the Baby. He lives in Grenada.
Monique Keiran Monique Keiran writes about nature, science, museums, parks, and much more. She lives on Vancouver Island, where few dinosaur bones but many fossils of extinct sea critters have been found. See more of Monique’s writing at www.moniquekeiran.com.
X.J. Kennedy
Jennifer McGrath Kent
Deborah Kerbel Deborah Kerbel is the award-nominated author of several books for young adults. Her first middle-grade novel, Bye-Bye, Evil Eye was nominated for the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award.
Brooke Kerrigan Brooke Kerrigan has loved to draw ever since she was a little girl, so it seemed only natural that she would grow up to be an artist. Of all her creative endeavors, illustrating children's books is her favorite. Born in Toronto, Ontario, she currently lives with her husband in the French Alps, in a little town that inspires her every day. For more information, visit brookekerrigan.com.
Anna Kerz Anna Kerz's first book, The Mealworm Diaries, was shortlisted for many awards, including a Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award. In her spare time, she tells stories to audiences of all ages and teaches students how to tell stories of their own. She lives in Scarborough, Ontario, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Bailey.
Deirdre Kessler
Danah Khalil Danah Khalil was born in Toronto, Ontario, and was inspired to write at a very young age by some of her favorite authors. She continues to write journal entries, novels and poetry in hopes of inspiring others to tell their stories through writing.
Ausma Zehanat Khan Ausma Zehanat Khan is the author of the Khattak/Getty mystery series, which has been optioned for television. A British-born Canadian, she is a former adjunct law professor and the former editor-in-chief of Muslim Girl magazine. She lives in Colorado with her husband. For more information visit www.ausmazehanatkhan.com.
Florence Kirsh
Sharon Kirsh
Wendy Kitts
Peggy Kochanoff Peggy Kochanoff graduated from Cornell University with a degree in vertebrate zoology and spent a summer working at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. She is the author and illustrator of several books for children, including Be a Wilderness Detective, which was shortlisted for an Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Express Award.
Juliana Kolesova Juliana Kolesova is a Toronto based illustrator with more than twenty five years of experience. She has successfully created hundreds of book covers for for various publishers in Canada, USA, and Europe. Her works have been recognized through numerous national and international awards including Applied Arts awards for illustration, book cover design and photography.
Sheena Koops

Voice of the Valley is Sheena Koops' first novel. She is an author who has stuck to the old adage "write what you know" and that faith has served her tremendously well. Sheena Koops teaches high school and lives with her family in the historic Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan.
Lynne Kositsky Lynne Kositsky is an award-winning Canadian poet and author. Her poetry has won the prestigious E.J. Pratt Medal and Award and the Canadian Author and Bookman Award. Her children's novels have also won many awards, including the Canadian Jewish Book Award for Youth and the International Youth Library’s White Raven Award, given to books that “contribute to an international understanding of a culture and people.”
William Kowalski William Kowalski is the author of the international bestseller Eddie's Bastard, winner of South Africa's Ama-Boeke Award, and, more recently, The Hundred Hearts, winner of the 2014 Thomas H. Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award. His work has been translated into fifteen languages. Four of the titles William wrote for the Rapids Reads series have been nominated for the Ontario Library Association's Golden Oak Award. He lives with his family in Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.williamkowalski.com.
Shane L. Koyczan Shane Koyczan writer, poet, spoken word artist, and has performed around the globe at universities and at music and literary festivals. His writing and performance is vital, witty and sincere: he reaches the hearts of his audiences with his powerful verses and has brought the Canadian spoken word movement to the international stage.
Renate Krakauer Renate Krakauer obtained a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, a Masters of Environmental Studies, and a doctorate in education. She has worked in the fields of pharmacy, education, and human resources, and was president and CEO of the Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences. She lives in Toronto with her husband and has written and published numerous short stories and essays.
Zorica Krasulja Zorica Krasulja is a Canadian artist and illustrator from Burlington, Ontario. Visit her website at www.zorica.ca.
Karen Krossing Karen Krossing writes novels and short stories for kids and teens. Karen also encourages new writers through workshops for kids, teens and adults. She lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.karenkrossing.com.
Ian Krykorka
Vladyana Krykorka Vladyana Krykorka has illustrated nine stories written by Michael Kusugak. Their books have received international acclaim and won numerous awards. Vladyana lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.
Janice Kun Janice Kun is an illustrator whose work is a distinctive multimedia blend of drawing, collage, digital and photographic elements. Her organic constructions reflect the dynamic energy of nature, combined with the lyricism of music and found street art. Janice's approach has created lush and tactile illustrations for magazine editorials, postage stamps, book covers and advertising campaigns. Janice is based in Toronto, Ontario, with roots in the Maritime provinces and southeast China. When not in her studio, she can be found hiking through the woods, hanging out by a lake or roaming through the city with her camera.
Fartumo Kusow Born in Somalia, Fartumo Kusow immigrated to Canada at the start of the civil war. Her first novel, Amran, was serialized in October Star, Mogadishu: Somali National Press in 1984. Since her arrival in Canada in 1991 she has earned a B. Arts Honours in English Language and Literature and B. Education from the University of Windsor. She now teaches English literature courses for the Greater Essex County District School Board. A mother of five adult children, she lives in Windsor, Ontario.
Michael Kusugak Michael Kusugak is Inuit and was riased in Nunavut. He writes books for children and travels, often telling the stories he heard from his grandmother when he was growing up. Michael's work has won the Ruth Schwartz Award for children's literature and has been short-listed for various other awards. In 2008, Michael was the recipient of the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature for his body of work. Michael lives and works in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Michael Kutz Michael Kutz was born in Nieswiez, Poland (present-day Belarus) on November 21, 1930. He arrived in Canada as a war orphan in 1948 and lived in Winnipeg before settling in Montreal in the early 1950s, where he joined various charitable organizations dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth, the elderly and war veterans. He continues to be engaged in community initiatives and regularly speaks to students about the Holocaust. Michael Kutz and his wife, Pat, live in Montreal.
Irene Kuziw Irene Kuziw has worked in galleries, museums and schools. Irene now devotes her time to doing what she loves—drawing and exploring the abstraction of reality, whether it be the human face or the animal spirit. A graduate of the University of Manitoba School of Art, she lives in the Interlake region of Manitoba.
Nadya Kwandibens Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is a self-taught portrait and events photographer and has travelled extensively across Canada for over 10 years. Nadya's photography has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada and the United States.
Tanya Lloyd Kyi Tanya Lloyd Kyi is a freelance graphic designer and writer. She grew up in Creston, British Columbia, but now lives in Vancouver. For more information, visit www.tanyalloydkyi.com.
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Mary Labatt Mary Labatt breeds collies with her daughter, Elizabeth. She has written two series of books about dogs, Dog Detective Sam and Puppy Sam. Mary lives and writes in Port Rowan, Ontario.
Darcia Labrosse
Louise-Andrée Laliberté Louise-Andrée Laliberté is an author and illustrator from Quebec. For more information, visit www.louiseandreelaliberte.com.
Ann Lambert
Laura Langston Laura Langston is the award–winning author of over fifteen books for children and young adults. A former journalist with the CBC, Laura also writes non-fiction for such publications as Canadian Gardening magazine. For more information, visit www.lauralangston.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @LauraLangston.
Shanda LaRamee-Jones Shanda LaRamee-Jones is the provincial coordinator of the Read to Me! Nova Scotia Family Literacy Program. She has a passion for supporting early learning and has a master's of education in literacy. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband and son.
Joan Larson
Evelyn Lau
Allison Lawlor Allison Lawlor is the author of several history books for adults. Broken Pieces is her first nonfiction book for children. Her work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail and multiple national magazines. Allison currently lives on the east coast of Canada with her husband.
June Lawrason
Katherine Lawrence Katherine Lawrence is a writer and fund-development consultant whose poetry has appeared in literary journals across Canada and the UK. Her work has also been performed onstage and broadcast on CBC radio. She has two award-winning poetry collections to her credit and a third published in April 2016.
Lisa J. Lawrence Lisa J. Lawrence grew up as a free-range kid in small towns in British Columbia and Alberta. She currently works as a writer and Spanish teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her first novel, Rodent, was nominated for numerous awards.
Julie Lawson Julie Lawson is the award-winning author of many books for young people. Her three novels for the popular Dear Canada series have been acclaimed by readers of all ages. No Safe Harbour won the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award. She currently lives on the west coast of Canada. For more information, visit www.julielawson.ca.
Julie Lawson
Anne Lazurko
Sara Leach Sara Leach is a writer and teacher-librarian in Whistler, British Columbia. She loves hiking the nearby alpine trails with her husband and two children. Fortunately, they have never been stranded in any mountain huts, although they have endured many rainy days. For more information, visit www.saraleach.com.
Jennifer Leason Jennifer Leason self-identifies as Saulteaux–Métis Anishinaabek. Her maternal Indigenous roots are from Duck Bay, Pine Creek First Nation and Camperville, Manitoba; her paternal Ukrainian-Norwegian roots are in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. She is the mother of two children. Jennifer is an advocate for women and for Indigenous communities, and she teaches at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD (2017), an MA (IGS), and a BA in psychology. Jennifer is a member of the Pine Creek Indian Band in Camperville, Manitoba.
Jordana Lebowitz
Annette LeBox
Ingrid Lee

An avid reader of Grimm's fairy tales as a child, Ingrid Lee enters the world of the imagination with ease. She herself has made sandy shapes on many beaches over the years. And always, she says, she has trouble leaving them to fend for themselves at the end of the day. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, where, in addition to writing, she teaches art and English.
Jen Sookfong Lee Jen Sookfong Lee was born and raised in East Vancouver, British Columbia, and she now lives with her son in North Burnaby. Her books include The Conjoined, a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, The Better Mother, The End of East, Gentlemen of the Shade and, with Orca, Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone and The Animals of Chinese New Year. Jen appears regularly as a contributor on “The Next Chapter” on CBC Radio One and teaches at The Writer's Studio Online with Simon Fraser University. For more information, visit sookfong.com.
Deanne Lee Bingham
Diane Carmel Léger

Diane Carmel Léger grew up in the Acadian village of Memramcook, New Brunswick. For 20 years, she lived in Victoria, British Columbia, where she taught French Immersion and wrote books in French and English. Diane has left the West but a little part of herself stayed behind in the virgin rainforests of Vancouver Island where her family was involved in saving some of the world's tallest trees. Diane has toured schools in Canada and the United States since 1991. For more information, visit www.dianecarmelleger.com

Michael Léger Michael Léger divides his time between his work in the film industry and his love of nature. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Mark Leiren-Young Mark Leiren-Young is an award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker, podcaster, orca activist and comic. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his partner and two cool Norwegian forest cats. For more information, visit leiren-young.com.
Christina Leist Christina Leist lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she works as a graphic designer. She has illustrated many books for young people. For more information, visit www.christinaleist.com.
John Lekich

John Lekich is a Vancouver-based author and freelance writer whose work has appeared in Reader's Digest, the Los Angeles Times and the Hollywood Reporter. A former West Coast arts correspondent for The Globe and Mail, he is the recipient of ten regional and national magazine awards.
Qin Leng Qin Leng was born in Shanghai, China and lived in France before moving to Montreal. She now works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto and is the illustrator of a number of award-winning children’s books.
Alex Levin Alex Levin was born in 1932 in the shtetl of Rokitno, Poland, not far from the Soviet border. In 1944, after the region was liberated by the Red Army, Alex Levin was sent to the USSR as a war orphan and enrolled in military cadet school. He became a professional engineer in the Soviet army until he was forced out for being a Jew. He married his wife in 1957 and their daughter was born in 1961. Alex decided to build a new life for himself and his family in Canada in 1975, where he worked first as an engineer and then as a successful builder. He continues to live in Toronto and speaks tirelessly to students about his experiences in the Holocaust.
Karen Levine
Tamara Levine Tamara Levine is an adult educator and literacy activist who worked with unions and employers on workplace literacy and clear language initiatives across Canada. Now retired from her job in labour education, she lives in Ottawa with her family.
Joanne Levy Joanne Levy is the author of a number of books for young people. She lives in Ontario with her husband and kids of the furred and feathered variety. For more information, visit joannelevy.com.
Maud Lewis Maud Lewis (1903-1970) was one of Canada's most celebrated folk artists. Although her hands were riddled with arthritis and she lived in abject poverty, she filled her tiny house in Nova Scotia with joyful paintings. People loved her style and would visit her house from all over to purchase her work. She is the subject of the film Maudie (2017), starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke.
Wendy A. Lewis

Wendy A. Lewis is the author of several stories and books. Her collection Graveyard Girl received the Canadian Authors' Association Vicky Metcalf Award for excellence in young adult short fiction. Wendy loves to visit schools and libraries to talk about the writing process and conduct creative writing workshops. She lives in Uxbridge, Ontario with her family.

Glenda Leznoff
Sharen Liddell
Leanne Lieberman Leanne Lieberman is the author of several books for young adults. Leanne lives with her family in Kingston, Ontario, where she teaches elementary school. For more information, visit www.leannelieberman.com.
Ron Lightburn Ron Lightburn's career as a children's book illustrator was launched with his Governor General's Award-winning artwork for Waiting for the Whales in 1991. Since then he has illustrated numerous other bestselling picture books and has become internationally renowned for his sensitive storytelling skills and range of illustration styles. For more information, visit www.thelightburns.com.
Sandra Lightburn
Diane Linden
Arielle Lipshaw
Ashley Little Ashley Little completed a BFA in creative writing at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. Ashley teaches yoga and writes fiction in Alberta's badlands. The New Normal is her first novel for teens. For more information, visit www.ashleylittle.com.
Jean Little Born in Taiwan, celebrated children's author Jean Little grew up in Ontario and graduated from the University of Toronto with an honors degree in English. A member of the Order of Canada, Little has received six honorary degrees and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and have won numerous awards, including a Canada Council Children's Literature Award (now known as the Governor General's Literary Award, a CLA Book of the Year, the Little, Brown Children's Book Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.
Renata Liwska Renata Liwska is a children's book author and illustrator. Her books include the New York Times bestsellers The Quiet Book and The Loud Book. Visit her website at www.renataliwska.com.
Andrew Lodwick Andrew Lodwick is an artist and printer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Jim Logan Jim Logan was born in 1955 in New Westminster, British Columbia and studied at the Kootenay School of Art in Nelson, BC. Logan's humor and affection for his culture is tempered by a concern for the restoration of identity and self-awareness within First Nations communities.
Alison Lohans Alison Lohans is the author of numerous books for children and young adults that deal with the darker side of family life and growing up. Her books include The Raspberry Room, Picturing Alyssa, Collapse of the Veil, Crossings, and This Land We Call Home.
Sheena Lott Sheena Lott has illustrated several children's books. She also exhibits her paintings across North America and her work can be found in corporate and private collections throughout the world. Sheena works from her home studio in Sidney on Vancouver Island BC. For more information, visit www.sheenalott.com.
Deb Loughead Deb Loughead is the author of more than forty books for children and young adults. Her books have been translated into seven languages, and her award-winning poetry and adult fiction have appeared in a variety of Canadian publications. Deb has conducted workshops and held readings at schools, festivals and conferences across the country. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.debloughead.ca.
Regina Louie
Larry Loyie Author Larry Loyie was born in Slave Lake, Alberta. He spent his early years living a traditional Cree life and treasures the lessons he learned from the elders. He went to residential school from the age of 10 to 14, then began his working life. Larry returned to school later in life to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a writer. He received the 2001 Canada Post Literacy Award for Individual Achievement (British Columbia). In 2003, Larry was the first First Nations writer to win the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction for his first children’s book As Long as the Rivers Flows.
Jodi Lundgren Jodi Lundgren is the author of several published short stories as well as novels for adults and for teens. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she teaches English and Creative Writing to college students.
Irene Luxbacher Irene Luxbacher is an illustrator, children's book author and a graduate of Queen's University and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Her children's books have received numerous awards and accolades, including being nominated for a Governor General's Award for illustration and chosen for USBBY's Outstanding International Books List. Irene lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit ireneluxbacher.com.
Annabel Lyon Annabel Lyon is the author of four books of adult fiction, Oxygen, The Best Thing for You, The Golden Mean and The Sweet Girl. All-Season Edie is her first work for children. She lives in New Westminster, British Columbia with her husband and two children.
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Carrie Mac

Carrie Mac's first novel The Beckoners won the Arthur Ellis YA Award, is a CLA Honour book. She is available for school and library presentations, and has been known to hold the interest of a couple hundred teens where others have failed. Maybe it's the tattoos. For more information, visit www.carriemac.com.
Anne Louise MacDonald
Frankie MacDonald Frankie MacDonald is a YouTube celebrity living in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He's studied meteorology since he was very young and shares his weather reports with more than 150,000 subscribers living all over the world. Subscribe to his YouTube channel, Frankie MacDonald.
Hugh MacDonald Hugh MacDonald is a poet, editor, children's author and novelist and was poet laureate for Prince Edward Island from January 2010 until December 2012. MacDonald is well known to Islanders as the PEI representative for Random Acts of Poetry, which brought poetry to streets and workplaces across Canada. He has received several awards, including the L.M. Montgomery Children's Literature Award for Chung Lee Loves Lobsters and a first prize for poetry from the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia. In 2004 he was presented with the award for Distinguished Contribution to the Literary Arts on Prince Edward Island.
Julie Macfie Sobol Julie Macfie Sobol and her husband Ken moved with their three children from the US to Canada in 1973. Julie, a musician and painter, has works displayed in homes in Canada, the U.S., and England. As Ken's neurological illness worsened, the couple was forced to find new ways to live and write together. Julie, now a grandmother of six, continues to make her home in Toronto.
Elly MacKay Elly MacKay creates tiny worlds from cut paper, ink and light, which she then photographs. Her work has been featured in international publications, including O: The Oprah Magazine, Chatelaine and Cosmopolitan. For more information, visit www.ellymackay.com.
Patsy MacKinnon Patsy MacKinnon is the illustrator of several award-winning picture books for children, including Evangeline for Young Readers and A Day with You in Paradise. A member of the prestigious Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, Patsy lives in New Waterford, Nova Scotia.
Jill MacLean
Elizabeth MacLeod Biographies, picture books, cookbooks—Elizabeth MacLeod has written them all and more. She has won many awards for her writing, including the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Nonfiction, as well as Children's Choice awards across Canada. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Sarah MacNeill Sarah MacNeill is a graphic designer with a background in architecture. She has wanted to create children's books since she was a child herself and can spend hours in the picture-book section of her local bookstore, being inspired by imaginative illustrations. She loves New York City, avocados and new art supplies but could do without alarm clocks and spiders. Sarah lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family. For more information, visit www.cartestudio.com/.
Rabindranath Maharaj Rabindranath Maharaj is the author of three collections of short stories and six novels, and winner of the Trillium and Toronto Books Awards. He lives in Ajax, Ontario.
Allison Maher
Rajni Mala Khelawan Rajni Mala Khelawan is an emerging Indo-Fijian Canadian writer. In addition to being a visiting writer at The University of the South Pacific, Fiji Islands in August 2011, Khelawan was profiled on hit TV and radio shows such as Bollywood Boulevard, CBC Radio, Omni South Asian News, Asian Magazine TV, and NUTV. Her first novel is The End of the Dark and Stormy Night. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Isabelle Malenfant

Isabelle Malenfant has a bachelor's degree in graphic design, but never worked in the field because she fell in love with illustration first. She likes to mix mediums such as watercolor, pastels and charcoal to create poetic and sensitive worlds. Isabelle has illustrated more than a dozen children's books, including Maggie's Chopsticks (Kids Can), which was awarded the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize. She was born in northern Quebec, between gold mines and lakes, in the city of Val-d'Or. Isabelle currently lives and works in Montreal, Quebec, with her little family.
Rachel Manley Rachel Manley is an author and poet. She is best known for her memoir, Drumblair: Memories of a Jamaican Childhood (winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for Nonfiction), which was inspired by life with her grandfather, Norman Washington Manley, founder of Jamaica's first national party. Born in Cornwall, England, and raised in Jamaica, Manley now resides in Toronto, Ontario. Learn more at www.rachelmanley.com.
Fred Mann
John Manthorpe Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of three books on international relations, politics, and history. He has been a foreign correspondent and international affairs columnist for nearly 40 years. He was the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam News, the European Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and the national political reporter for The Globe and Mail. For the last few years he has been based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Rosa Mantla
Lynn Manuel Lynn Manuel published dozens of books for young people, including The Summer of the Marco Polo.
Jenny Manzer Jenny Manzer is the author of Save Me, Kurt Cobain, which was nominated for the Bolen Books Children's Book Prize. She has a degree in creative writing and was a finalist for the 2013 CBC Creative Nonfiction Prize, one of Canada's most prestigious literary competitions. She lives with her family in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.jennymanzer.com.
Lee Maracle Lee Maracle has been published worldwide, and is the author of a number of critically acclaimed literary works including the collection Sojourners and Sundogs and the novels Ravensong, Bobbi Lee, and Daughters Are Forever. A mother of four and grandmother of seven, Maracle was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and is a member of the Sto:Loh nation. Maracle received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work promoting writing among Aboriginal Youth.
Molly March Molly March is an accomplished painter and set designer. She is the illustrator and mapmaker of Brother XII's Treasure and its sequel, The Silver Lining, both written by Amanda Spottiswoode. She lives in Coldstream, British Columbia.
Barbara Marchand Barbara Marchand is a published author and editor and an illustrator of children's books and young adult books. Her credits include Kou-Skelowh/We are the People: A Trilogy of Okanagan Legends (new bilingual edition). She lives in the Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Dave Margoshes Dave Margoshes grew up in New York, where his father was a reporter and columnist for the Yiddish daily, Der Tag (The Day). His 2012 collection of linked short stories, A Book of Great Worth, is a fictional love letter to his father and an evocation of the world he lived in on the Jewish lower east side. His novel, Wiseman's Wager, is based loosely on the life of Henry Roth, the great Jewish-American novelist (Call It Sleep).
Nicole Marsh
Lindsay R. Marshall
Veronika Martenova Charles
C.K. Kelly Martin C.K. Kelly Martin is a graduate of the Film Studies program at York University and currently resides in Oakville, Ontario. For more information, visit www.ckkellymartin.com.
Cara Martin Cara Martin is the pseudonym that bestselling author C.K. Kelly Martin uses for her horror writing. Her work includes such acclaimed novels as I Know It's Over, The Lighter Side of Death, My Beating Teenage Heart, Yesterday, The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing and Delicate. Martin has been twice short-listed for the Canadian Library Association's Young Adult Book Award. A graduate of the film studies program at York University, Martin currently resides in Orleans, Ontario.
Martha Brack Martin Martha Brack Martin is the author of River Traffic and Mayan Murder from Orca Soundings. She is also an award-winning teacher–librarian and has written several nonfiction books for children. She frequently facilitates workshops on children's literature, teaching with technology, and librarianship. She lives in a small town near Windsor, Ontario.
Ron Martin
Rachel Martinez
Philinda Masters Philinda Masters was the editor of Broadside: A Feminist Review from 1979 to 1989 and editor of Resources for Feminist Research at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education from 1987 to 2011. She has been a feminist activist since the early 1970s, when she worked at Toronto's women's center. Philinda lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Carol Matas

Carol Matas is an internationally acclaimed author of over thirty-five novels for children and young adults. Her best-selling work, which includes three award-winning series, has been translated into Spanish, Japanese, Taiwanese, Turkish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, German, French, Indonesian and Russian. Her work has won numerous awards, and has been twice nominated for a Governor General's Award. More information is available at /www.carolmatas.com
Rae Maté Rae Maté’s first children’s picture books, Crocodiles say… and Crocodiles Play! were published by Tradewind Books. She and her husband, Gabor, have three children, a dog and two cats, and live in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rae divides her painting time between her backyard studio in Vancouver and Hornby Island, BC.
K. Mateus K. Mateus is a Canadian illustrator who has always known art was her calling. She hopes her work will inspire others with a similar calling to follow her on the path of illustration. Three Feathers is her first graphic novel.
Shirlee Smith Matheson Shirlee Smith Matheson is the author of several critically acclaimed books for young adults. Her stories are inspired by the universal struggle to fit in as an adolescent, especially those who have been uprooted from their homes and familiar surroundings. For more information, visit www.ssmatheson.ca.
Dianne Maycock

Dianne Maycock has always wanted to write books about animals. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from UBC and a combined Master's degree in Adult Education and Counselling from the University of Toronto. She has visited every Canadian province except for P.E.I., as well as most of the countries in Europe. Dianne lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her family and is available for school presentations.
Ian McAllister Ian McAllister is an award-winning photographer and author of many books, including A Whale's World, The Seal Garden, Wolf Island, A Bear's Life, The Salmon Bears, The Sea Wolves and The Great Bear Sea (all with Nicholas Read). He is the founding director of Pacific Wild, a Canadian nonprofit wildlife-conservation group. He lives with his family in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. For more information, visit pacificwild.org.
Ian McAllister Ian McAllister is an award-winning photographer and author of many books, including A Whale's World, The Seal Garden, Wolf Island, A Bear's Life, The Salmon Bears, The Sea Wolves and The Great Bear Sea (all with Nicholas Read). He is the founding director of Pacific Wild, a Canadian nonprofit wildlife-conservation group. He lives with his family in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. For more information, visit pacificwild.org.
Bruce McBay Bruce McBay collaborated with James Heneghan on Waiting for Sarah, his first book with Orca. He is the department head of Learning Support Staff at a Burnaby Secondary School and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Stephen McCallum
James McCann James McCann grew up on the icy plains of Manitoba, where he spent most of his teenage years reading comics and training in tae kwon do. In 2002 he came to the West Coast, where he's worked as a book-seller and a workshop leader, mentoring youth in creative writing. James lives in Coquitlam, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.jamesmccann.info
Rosemary McCarney Rosemary McCarney is Canada's Ambassador to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva. She was previously president and CEO of Toronto-based Plan Canada where she helped create the very important Because I am a Girl campaign. She is the author of the internationally best-selling Every Day is Malala Day, Because I Am a Girl: I Can Change the World, The Way to School, and the Rosie the Red series. Rosemary lives in Toronto with her family
Doris McCarthy Doris McCarthy was a great painter who produced an unparalleled body of work, was the first woman President of the Ontario Society of Artists, taught some of Canada's most distinguished creative people, and was a mentor for many artists. A key figure in this Canada’s art scene since the 1920s, McCarthy experimented with, and contributed to, major art developments throughout the 20th century.
Norah McClintock Norah McClintock won the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for crime fiction for young people five times. She wrote more than sixty YA novels, including contributions to Seven (the series), the Seven Sequels and the Secrets series.
Patricia McCowan Patricia McCowan has written several novels and short stories that have appeared in YA anthologies, as well as in print and online magazines. Patricia lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.patriciamccowan.com.
Virginia McCoy
Kim McCullough Kim McCullough has published reviews and commentary no a number o literary websites. Clearwater is her first published book. McCullough lives and teaches in Calgary, Alberta. She leads various writing workshops for students of all ages, including a writing class for women in recovery.
Regan McDonell Regan McDonell studied writing at the University of Victoria with poets Patrick Lane and Lorna Crozier, and then promptly put the pen down to pursue a career in textile and graphic design. Now the creative director at a Toronto-based marketing agency, Regan spends her days designing apparel for kids, and her nights writing fiction for teens. For more information, visit www.writerregan.com.
Kathleen McDonnell
Carol McDougall Carol McDougall is a writer, editor and former librarian for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. She received the Mayor’s Award for Cultural Achievement and the Progress Women of Excellence Award for her work in early literacy. She is director of the Read to Me! Nova Scotia Family Literacy program and lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.carolmcdougall.com.
Pamela McDowell Pamela McDowell's first career was in education, teaching junior high and high school. She began writing when she left teaching and has now written more than fifty nonfiction books for children. Pamela grew up in Alberta and enjoys writing about the diverse animals and habitats of her home province. Pamela lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two kids and an Australian shepherd. For more information, visit pamelamcdowell.ca.
Sheryl McFarlane Sheryl McFarlane is the author of more than a dozen award-winning books for young readers. A former teacher, Sheryl loves bike riding, beachcombing and discovering new books for her grandchildren. She lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, where she keeps a little free library stocked with books for her friends and neighbors. For more information, visit www.sherylmcfarlane.ca.
Jennifer McGrath Jennifer McGrath is a professional writer and award-winning children's author from Moncton, New Brunswick. Her two middle-grade adventure books, Chocolate River Rescue and White Cave Escape, are popular with teachers and students alike. For more information www.jennifermcgrath.ca.
Gayle McGuire Tremblay
M.J. McIsaac M.J. McIsaac is the author of several books for young people. She has a master's degree in writing for children from the University of Winchester in the UK. M.J. currently lives with her family in Whitby, Ontario. For more information, visit meaghanmcisaac.com.
Chum McLeod
Geraldine McLeod
Neal McLeod
Chris McMahen Chris McMahen is an elementary school teacher-librarian living near Armstrong, British Columbia. When he's not busy writing, teaching or spending time with his family, he can be found cycling the back roads of the Spallumcheen Valley or making peculiar pottery.
Melody DeFields McMillan Melody DeFields McMillan is a teacher who lives in Simcoe, Ontario, not far from where she grew up. When she's not writing, she's enjoying all that nature has to offer. Her first book about the irrepressible Addison, Addison Addley and the Things That Aren't There, was nominated for a Silver Birch Award.
Dale McNevin
Ray McSwain Raised in Behchoko, the largest Dene community in the Northwest Territories, Ray spent his life surrounded by the same natural, scenic beauty that has inspired many Northern Aboriginal people to become artists. The Legend of the Caribou Boy is Ray's first book.
Tessa McWatt Tessa McWatt currently lives in London, England, where she is working as a producer and scriptwriter.
Amy Meissner Amy Meissner currently lives and works in Anchorage, Alaska. Her two, bad orange cats keep her company in the studio all day long where she paints, draws, writes, cuts fabric and moves cats off the things they aren't supposed to sleep on. Creating art for children's books is Amy's favorite job, but she also illustrates for posters and articles. She recently completed an MFA in Creative Writing and has undergraduate degrees in both Art and Textiles.
Esperança Melo Esperança Melo is a graduate of Sheridan College's Animation Program and has completed an honors degree in graphic design from George Brown College. She has illustrated and designed several children's books. Esperança was born in the Azores and now lives in Millbrook, Ontario. For more information, visit www.esperancamelo.blogspot.ca
Gerald Mercer
Mireille Messier Mireille Messier is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised and now Toronto-based children's writer with a background in broadcasting and theater. Mireille has published over twenty books, some in French, others in English, for children of all ages. The Branch nominated for the Shining Willow, Blue Spruce and Governor General's Awards. Mireille lives in Toronto with her husband, two wonderful daughters, three fluffy cats and over a hundred goldfish. For more information, visit mireille.ca.
Theresa Meuse Born and raised in the Bear River First Nation, Theresa Meuse is a First Nations educator and advisor. The author of The Sharing Circle and L'Nu'k, she has also contributed to The Mi'kmaq Anthology and L'sitkuk. Theresa lives in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia.
Judith Meyrick
Leslie Mezei Leslie Mezei (also Laszló, Laci) was born on July 9, 1931, in Gõdõllõ, Hungary. His town was invaded by the Nazis in 1944, and his family separated. In 1948 Leslie arrived in Canada, and he eventually became a professor of computer science at the University of Toronto. Leslie lives in Toronto, where he is involved in a global interfaith and interspiritual movement, the mission of which is to promote a message of unity in diversity, and he published the Interfaith Unity News for a number of years.
Klara Mezei Noy Klara Mezei Noy was born in 1920 in Gõdõllõ, Hungary. Klara survived the Ravensbrück concentration camp and moved to Israel, where she had two daughters and worked as an office administrator and taught typing. Klara passed away in Israel in 2001.
Roy Miki Roy Miki is a poet, writer, and editor. He is the author of Redress: Inside the Japanese Canadian Call for Justice and Surrender, which received the Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Roy and Slavia Miki grew up in Winnipeg and moved to Vancouver in the late 1960s shortly after getting married.
Slavia Miki Slavia Miki is a life coach and studied feng shui under the late Henry Dorst. She earned her teacher’s licence in ikebana while living in Tokyo.
Pascal Milelli Pascal Milelli graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design. His first picturebook was the award-winning Rainbow Bay (Raincoast), followed by The Art Room (Groundwood), which was awarded the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Illustration. Pascal lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Victoria Miles

Victoria Miles is the author of numerous award-winning books for children, including Old Mother Bear, which received a Henry Bergh award from the American Society for the Protection of Animals. Victoria lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and two daughters.
Elizabeth Milkau
Andrea Miller Andrea Miller is the author of the board book The Day The Buddha Woke Up and the editor of three anthologies: Right Here With You, Buddha's Daughters, and All the Rage. Miller has an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, and her writing has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including the Globe and Mail, the Antigonish Review and Prairie Fire. Miller lives with her husband and two small children in Halifax.
Rachelle Anne Miller

Rachelle Anne Miller studied at NSCAD University, where she earned her Bachelor of Design in 2002. She worked as a graphic designer for several years before deciding to venture out as a freelance illustrator. Rachelle's art has been featured in various international magazines and websites. Her work can be seen in children's books, greeting cards, craft supplies, children's room decor, tech accessories and more. For more information, visit www.rachelleannemiller.com
Rob Mills Rob Mills has been an award-winning reporter, newspaper editor and writer in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Ontario. Charlie's Key is his first published novel. He lives in Pererborough, Ontario with his wife and two daughters.
Jessica Milne Jessica Milne is from the Comox Valley, British Columbia and grew up painting, drawing and taking photographs. She completed a double diploma in Fine Art and Graphic Design in the spring of 1998 from North Island College in Courtenay for which she received the Governor General's Award for outstanding achievement. She went on to the University of Victoria where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honours in the fall of 2001. Following her graduation from the University of Victoria, Jessica spent time teaching drawing and painting to adults and taking photographs for weddings. Along with that she discovered the magic of illustrating children's books. For more information, visit www.jessicamilne.com.
Marywinn Milne
Cristina Minaki
Angela Misri Angela Misri was born in the United Kingdom and now lives and writes in Toronto, Ontario. A journalist and writer, she has worked in digital media with The Walrus and CBC Radio. She is the author of the Portia Adams mystery series.
Adrian Mitchell
Brandon Mitchell From Listuguj, Quebec, Brandon Mitchell is the founder of Birch Bark Comics and creator of the Sacred Circles comic series, which draws on his Mi'kmaq heritage.
Karen Mitchell
Carmen Mok Carmen Mok has formal training in art and design from the University of Waterloo and Sheridan College. She is the illustrator of Look at Me Now! and her work has been published in magazines across Canada and the US. For more information, visit www.carmenmokstudio.com.
Marc Mongeau
Kent Monkman Kent Monkman is a Canadian artist of Cree ancestry who is well known for his provocative reinterpretations of romantic North American landscapes in a variety of mediums, including painting, film/video, performance, and installation. His glamorous gender fluid alter-ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle reverses the colonial gaze, upending received notions of history and Indigenous people.
Michelle Monteith
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Maggie Mooney
Shelley Moore Shelley Moore is an inclusive-education consultant supporting access to education for every learner. She presents at conferences both nationally and internationally, and has developed courses at Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia. Shelley has worked in both elementary and secondary schools supporting students with and without special needs. A PhD student at the University of British Columbia, her research focus is on the interactions of inclusive education, curriculum, and teacher professional development.
Irene Morck

Irene Morck is an accomplished author and trail-rider. Her first book with Orca, Tough Trails is based on many of her adventures riding in the Rocky Mountains. Irene lives on a farm with ten mules, one horse and her husband.

 
Anna Morgan
Cindy Morgan Cindy Morgan is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. A two-time Grammy nominee, Cindy is an adjunct professor of songwriting at Nashville's Belmont University. For more information, visit www.cindymorganmusic.com.
Peter Morin
Kim Moritsugu Kim Moristugu's novel The Glenwood Treasure (2003) was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Best Crime Novel Award. She leads a walking tour for Heritage Toronto, teaches creative writing at the Humber School for Writers, writes a food blog called The Hungry Novelist and sings in a community rock/pop choir. And Everything Nice is her fifth novel and first book in the Rapid Reads series. For more information, visit www.kimmoritsugu.com.
Marietta Morry Marietta Morry was born in Budapest, Hungary. She immigrated to Canada at age twenty, graduating from McGill University with an M.Sc. in Mathematics. After she moved to Ottawa, she became acquainted with memoir author Ferenc Andai. While pursuing a career as methodologist for Statistics Canada, Marietta translated several literary texts from Hungarian into English. Since 2012, she has been collaborating on translations from Hungarian with Lynda Muir, mostly on works within the Azrieli Foundation's Holocaust Survivor Memoir series. In 2015, her collaboration with Lynda Muir on Anna Hegedüs's memoir As the Lilacs Bloomed (Azrieli Foundation, 2014) won them the John Glassco Prize from the Literary Translators' Association of Canada.
Melanie Mosher
Beatrice Mosionier Beatrice Mosionier was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba. The youngest of four children, she grew up in foster homes. After a short time living in Toronto, where she attended college, she returned to Winnipeg. Beatrice has written more books of fiction, a play, a short film, and her memoir. She previously worked as publisher of Pemmican Publications. Beatrice lives in Manitoba with her husband.
Claire Mowat
Naomi M. Moyer Naomi M. Moyer is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and writer. As a black woman, Naomi is forever interested in African diasporic histories and how they connect to black identity. Naomi is a new mama and lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. You can find out more at www. naomimichelle.com.
Una-Ann Moyer
Lynda Muir Lynda Muir was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. She has always had a passion for languages and literature. An M.A. graduate in German literature, she taught English in Quebec and Botswana. In 1974, she moved to Ottawa, where she worked as a translator from German to English before embracing a 25-year-long career as editor for the National Gallery of Canada. Her collaboration with Marietta Morry on Anna Hegedüs's memoir As the Lilacs Bloomed (Azrieli Foundation, 2014) won them the John Glassco Prize from the Literary Translators' Association of Canada in 2015.
Doris Muise Doris Muise is of Mik'maq, French, and Scottish descent in rural Newfoundland. She holds a Master of Art Education from NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and has taught all over Canada. She has made her home on traditional Nuxalk territory in Bella Coola BC, where she teaches the wonderful children at Acwsalcta School when she isn't writing or working on her art.
Michelle Mulder Michelle Mulder is the founding author of and has written six other titles in the Footprints series—Pedal It!, Brilliant!, Every Last Drop, Trash Talk, Pocket Change and Going Wild. Michelle has also written the novels The Vegetable Museum, Not a Chance, Out of the Box, After Peaches and several other books for young people. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit michellemulder.com.
Carrie Muller
Rachel Dunstan Muller Rachel Dunstan Muller has spent most of her life on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She is the mother of five and the author of three other novels for children. For more information, visit www.racheldunstanmuller.com.
Caryl Cude Mullin
Patricia Murdoch A language arts teacher, Patricia Murdoch knows all too well the importance of learning to read and the power of a strong story. She lives in Bradford, Ontario.
Eric Murphy Eric Murphy spent summers sailing the Ottawa River. After writing his MA thesis in Quebec City, he worked in New York and Paris. He sails when visiting relatives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in Toronto, Ontario, where he lives with his family. Eric works as an actor and writer. For more information, visit www.eric-murphy.com.
Ivan Murphy
Susan Musgrave Susan Musgrave has been nominated for and has received awards in five different categories of writing—poetry, fiction, nonfiction, personal essay, children's writing—and for her work as an editor. She has published many books, including Love You More, More Blueberries and Kiss, Tickle, Cuddle, Hug. Susan lives on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and teaches poetry in the Optional Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program at the University of British Columbia. For more information, visit susanmusgrave.com.
B.R. Myers B.R. Myers is the author of Butterflies Don’t Lie. When she's not putting her characters in awkward situations, she works as a registered nurse in Nova Scotia.
David Myles David Myles was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He grew up playing music with his three older brothers. With a political science degree to his credit, David was on his way to law school when he was snatched from the jaws of a conventional career by the lure of music. He now has eleven records, numerous awards and dozens of tours under his belt. For more information, visit www.davidmyles.com.com.
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Shenaaz Nanji
Mahtab Narsimhan Mahtab Narsimhan is the award-winning author of several books for young readers, including Mission Mumbai, The Tiffin and The Third Eye, which won the Silver Birch Award. Mahtab lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, son and golden retriever. For more information, visit mahtabnarsimhan.com.
Colleen Nelson Colleen Nelson is the author of Tori by Design, which won the 2012 McNally Robinson Young Adult Book Award and was nominated for a 2012 Snow Willow Award, as well as one other novel for young readers, The Fall. As a middle-years teacher and an avid reader of young-adult fiction, Colleen is inspired by her visits to schools and interactions with young people.
Mark Douglas Nelson
Mary Elizabeth Nelson

Born in Calgary, Mary Elizabeth Nelson has been both a teacher-librarian and a language arts teacher. She wrote her first book at age four. She has four children and three grandchildren and presently lives and writes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Karen Nesbitt

Karen Nesbitt works as a high school counselor near Montréal, Québec. The mother of two teenagers, Karen spends most of her days immersed in teen culture. She lives with her husband and children in Pierrefonds, Québec. Subject to Change is Karen's debut novel.
Erica Neumann Erica Neumann is well known for her striking oil paintings of bears and other wildlife. Her art resides in collections worldwide, including in Britain, Germany and Australia. For more information, visit www.ericaneumann.com.
William New
Gillian Newland Gillian Newland has illustrated a variety of publications, ranging from magazines to children's books. She finds most of her inspiration outside her studio. She can often be found sketching her fellow customers at Starbucks or the animals at the zoo. Gillian lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.gilliannewland.com.
Carey Newman Carey Newman or Hayalthkin'geme is a multidisciplinary artist and master carver. Through his father he is Kwakwaka'wakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby'ie clans of Fort Rupert, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Stó:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley. Through his mother he is English, Irish, and Scottish. In his artistic practice he strives to highlight Indigenous, social or environmental issues. Carey was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 2018. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit witnessblanket.ca.
Arthur Ney Arthur Ney was born in Warsaw, Poland on June 25, 1930. He came to Canada in 1948 and settled in Montreal, where he raised a family. Now a widower, he still lives in Montreal.
Lorna Schultz Nicholson Lorna Schultz Nicholson is an award-winning author of many books for children and young adults. She has also worked as a television producer, radio host and rowing coach. Lorna lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband and two dogs. For more information, visit lornaschultznicholson.com.
Barbara Nickel Barbara Kathleen Nickel is an award-winning poet and author of books for young adults. Born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan she moved to St. John's, Newfoundland and then back to British Columbia where she now lives and writes.
Michelle Nidenoff
Godfrey Nkongolo Godfrey Nkongolo is a doctoral student in political science with extensive experience working in international and community development in Tanzania. One of his passions both within his studies and beyond is to promote African thought and to show the world that Africa has a message of hope even though the story of Africa that is most widely known is one of despair. This book is, therefore, a part of his life mission—to promote a positive message of, and from, Africa. He now lives in Toronto, Ontario with his family.
Maria Noriega Rachwal Maria Noriega Rachwal is a music teacher and musicologist living in Toronto, Ontario. She has given many lectures on women in music throughout the country and written articles on the subject for professional organizations. Her work on the Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra was featured on the CBC Radio documentary, "It Wasn't Tea Time: Ethel Stark and the Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra."
Cynthia Nugent

Cynthia Nugent is a nationally recognized and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Mister Got To Go, is now considered a Canadian classic. All of her books have been on the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Our Choice lists. Cynthia lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her Yorkshire terrier Emma. More information is available at www.cynthianugent.com.
Bruce Nunn
Lori Nunn
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Gerry O'Brien
Clare O'Connor Clare O'Connor is a communications professional and writer. She now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her family and still owns a skateboard.
Heather M. O'Connor Heather M. O’Connor is a freelance writer, editor, author and mother of five (and grandmother of two). She lives in Whitby, Ontario, with her family and her yellow lab, Lady. For more information, visit heathermoconnor.com.
Liam O'Donnell Liam O'Donnell is an author and educator who has created over forty books and graphic novels for young readers, including the Max Finder Mystery, Graphic Guide Adventures, West Meadows Detectives series. He was born in Northern Ireland and came to Canada when he was five years old. He studied media at Ryerson University and has worked on film sets in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Liam lives in London, Ontario. For more information, visit liamodonnell.com or follow him on Twitter @liamodonnell.
Andreas Oertel Andreas Oertel was born in Germany and has lived most of his life in eastern Manitoba. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Shenanigans series, which has been nominated for several awards, including the Silver Birch Award, the Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award and the New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award. He has a lifelong passion for archeology, history and writing for young people. For more information, visit www.andreasoertel.com.
Sylvia Olsen

Sylvia Olsen is the author of many books and has been nominated for and won numerous awards. She has spent most of her life living in theTsartlip First Nation, where her children and grandchildren now live. Sylvia usually writes for children and young adults about the place between cultures where Canada's First Nations and settlers come together. She is also a storyteller who loves to work with young people to help them find their written and spoken voice. Sylvia is the mother of four and grandmother of seven. She lives in North Saanich near Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.sylviaolsen.ca.
Felix Opatowski Felix Opatowski was born in Lodz, Poland on June 15, 1924. He was liberated in Austria by the US army on May 9, 1945 and worked at a US army base where he married his wife, Regina, in 1947. Felix and Regina arrived in Toronto in 1949; they were married for 69 years. Regina passed away in 2016. Felix Opatowski lives in Toronto.
Eric Orchard Eric Orchard is the illustrator of several books, including The Terrible, Horrible, Smelly Pirate. His work has been included in the Society of Illustrators' annual competition and exhibition. Eric lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Leslie Owen
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Erinne Paisley Erinne Paisley is an activist, public speaker, youth content developer, writer and student. She was awarded one of ten University of Toronto National Scholarships and is now studying International Relations at Trinity College, University of Toronto. She is also the author of the PopActivism series. For more information, visit www.popactivism.com. Follow her on Twitter @ErinneP and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Erinne Paisley.
Erna Paris Erna Paris is the author of seven acclaimed works of literary non-fiction and the winner of multiple awards for her books, feature writing, and radio documentaries. Her most recent work, The Sun Climbs Slow: The International Criminal Court and the Struggle for Justice was first on The Globe and Mail's Best Book of the Year list and shortlisted for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. Learn more at www.emaparis.com.
David Parkins David Parkins has illustrated numerous children's books. He also does editorial illustrations, political cartoons, and strip cartoons. David lives in Lansdowne, Ontario. For more information, visit davidparkins.com.
Jacques Pasquet Passionate about memories, Jacques Pasquet is a writer and storyteller. Now that his busy career as a professor is behind him, he splits his time between writing and visiting schools. Jacques is the author of nearly twenty books for children in Québec and France. He lives in Montréal, Québec. For more information, visit www.jacquespasquet.com .
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Christina Patterson Christina Patterson has won numerous awards and competitions for her artwork, including the People’s Choice Award for Open Air III in London, Ontario. Her art has been featured on Live with Regis and Kelly and in multiple national publications and broadcasts. She lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Shaun Patterson With a BFA and an MBA, Shaun Patterson has worked for Fortune 500 companies and big brands like Six Flags, A&E and National Geographic. Originally from Barrie, Ontario, he now lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For more information, visit www.shaunpatterson.com.
Anne Patton Born in Ontario, Anne Patton taught elementary school for many years before retirement launched her into her career as a prolific children’s author. She has won numerous awards, including the Moonbeam Spirit Award and the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild John V. Hicks Unpublished Long Manuscript Award.
Manjusha Pawagi Manjusha Pawagi was a journalist, children's author and lawyer before being appointed a family court judge in 2009. Her children's book The Girl Who Hated Books is an international bestseller, translated into more than a dozen languages and made into an award-winning animated short by the National Film Board of Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband Simon and children Jack and Anna.
Mary Jennifer Payne Mary Jennifer Payne is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers' Summer Workshop in Creative Writing and a special-education teacher at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing has been published in journals, anthologies and magazines in Canada and abroad. Since You've Been Gone, her first full-length young-adult novel, was published in 2015. For more information, visit www.maryjenniferpayne.typepad.com.
Joan Payzant
Shane Peacock

Shane Peacock is an award-winning novelist, playwright, journalist and television screenwriter. His bestselling series for young adults, The Boy Sherlock Holmes, has been published in ten countries in twelve languages and has found its way onto more than forty shortlists. For more information, visit www.shanepeacock.ca.
Jacqueline Pearce Jacqueline Pearce grew up on Vancouver Island. She has always been fascinated with local history and her first three novels are stories about Vancouver Island's past. Her interest in other countries and cultures, nature and animals also makes its way into her novels and short stories. Jacqueline has degrees in English literature and environmental studies. She currently lives in Burnaby, British Columbia, on the edge of a ravine with her husband, daughter, dog and two cats. For more information, visit www.jacquelinepearce.ca.
Kit Pearson Kit Pearson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up there and in Vancouver, British Columbia. After attending the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia, Kit worked for ten years as a children's librarian in Ontario and BC. She became inspired to write for children after attending Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature. Her books have been published in several different countries and have won many awards, including the Governor General's Award and the BC Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with partner Katherine Farris and their two dogs, Piper and Brio. For more information, visit kitpearson.com.
Ninon Pelletier As a child, Ninon Pelletier wanted to become an astronaut in order to see the world differently. Instead, thanks to her great imagination, she became an illustrator. She studied photography and graphic design, and has illustrated over thirty children's books. She was nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award in 2016. She lives in Montreal, Quebec, surrounded by her pencils, charcoals and friends. For more information, visit ninonpelletier.blogspot.com.
Michael Pendergast With his many accordions, engaging presence and repertoire of children’s songs, Michael Pendergast is Prince Edward Island’s best-known children’s performer, affectionately known as “The Music Man.”
Janet Perlman
Janet Perlman
Sandra Perron Sandra Perron was Canada's first female infantry officer, and the first woman member of the Royal 22e Régiment, the legendary "Van Doos." She is now a senior partner with A New Dynamic Enterprise Inc., and founder and president of the Imagine Project, a non-profit organization mentoring an orphanage in Boma, Tanzania. She currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at www.sandraperron.com/home.html/a>.
Lois Peterson Lois Peterson wrote short stories and articles for adults for twenty years before turning to writing for kids. She was born in England and has lived in Iraq, France and the United States. She now lives in Surrey, British Columbia, where she writes, reads and teaches creative writing to adults, teens and children. For more information, visit www.loispeterson.blog.com.
Glen Petrie
Elizabeth Phillips Elizabeth Phillips is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Wendy Phillips Wendy Phillips leaves on Gabriola Island on Canada's west coast. Her first novel, Fishtailing, won several awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Writing and the Moonbeam Award for Innovative Storytelling. Baggage is her second novel in verse. She has a journalism degree, has travelled extensively and has taught high school English.
Valérie Picard Valérie Picard is the artistic director at the Quebec publishing house Monsieur Ed. After obtaining a diploma in visual arts and a degree in anthropology, she fell in love with children's literature. She draws, reads, buys way too many books (ignoring the fact that she has no more space for them) and entertains herself with online Harry Potter questionnaires in order to discover in which house the Sorting Hat would place her. Valerie lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Marcia Pierce Harding
Marilyn Gear Pilling Marilyn Gear Pilling lives in Hamilton, Ontario, and has roots in Huron County. She is the author of two collections of short fiction and six of poetry. A finalist for the CBC literary awards and the Western Magazine Awards, she has won nine Hamilton and Region Arts Council awards for her poetry and short fiction.
Jeff Pinkney Jeff Pinkney likes to be out in his canoe or on his mountain bike on forest trails. He holds an English degree from Trent University, is a former newspaper columnist and currently works as a business advisor in Peterborough, Ontario. Jeff's Echoes, Soapstone Porcupine and Soapstone Signs, draw on Jeff's experiences while traveling as a development consultant in Canada's James Bay Frontier, where he acquired a deep appreciation for the people and the landscape. Jeff is an emerging poet, writer and an amateur stone carver. He and his wife, Leslie, share a brood of three story-loving daughters. For more information, visit www.jeffpinkney.com.
Judith Plaxton
Jenn Playford
Monique Polak Monique Polak is the author of over twenty novels for kids and young adults. She has also written two nonfiction books for kids as well as a board book for toddlers. Monique teaches English literature, creative writing and humanities at Marianopolis College in Montreal, Quebec. For more information, visit moniquepolak.com.
Yolanda Poplawska Yolanda Poplawska is a professional painter and children’s book illustrator.
Ruth Porter
Matthew Posner Matthew Posner is a voice actor who has narrated two titles from Orca's Seven series.
Keith Powell
Pierre Pratt Pierre Pratt studied graphic design at Ahuntsic College in Montreal. Since 1990, he has illustrated (and also written) close to fifty books for children. He has won several prizes, including the Governor General's Award of Canada three times, a Golden Apple and a Golden Plate in Bratislava, a Totem at the Montreuil Salon du Livre in France, a UNICEF Prize in Bologna, the Boston Globe Horn Book Award, the Elizabeth Cleaver Prize, the Mr. Christie Book Award and the TD Children's Literature Award. In 2008, he represented Canada for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. For more information, visit www.pierrepratt.com.
Gabrielle Prendergast

Gabrielle Prendergast has written a number of books for young people, including Audacious, Capricious and Pandas on the Eastside. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, daughter and varying numbers of chickens. For more information, visit www.angelhorn.com.
Jules Price Jules Price is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Alice Priestley Alice Priestley has illustrated numerous books. She lives in Toronto with her husband and children.
Francois Prince
Kelly Pruner Kelly Pruner is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
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Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley was born at the northernmost edge of Baffin Island.
Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley Sean Qitsualik-Tnsley was born at the southernmost edge of Ontario.
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Barbara Radecki Barbara Radecki is a screenwriter and a film and television actress. The Darkhouse is her debut novel.
Falah Raheem Falah Raheem is a Canadian/Iraqi translator and writer. He has published the translation of about twenty books from English to Arabic. His first novel “The Parable of the Hedgehogs” was published in Arabic in 2012. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Ethel Raicus
Arushi Raina Arushi Raina grew up in South Africa. She now lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Bilaal Rajan Bilaal Rajan started fundraising at the age of four, when he sold clementines to raise money for the victims of an earthquake in India. Since then he has raised funds for children in Southeast Asia, Haiti and Africa. In March 2005, Bilaal became the UNICEF Canada Child Representative. He continues his fundraising efforts while attending school and traveling the world spreading his message of hope. Bilaal lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his parents.
Robert Rayner Robert Rayner's books have been short-listed for the Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children's Literature and the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award. For more information, visit www.raggedbeliever.wordpress.com.
Nicholas Read Nicholas Read is a retired journalist and journalism instructor who has written 10 books for children including two series about the Great Bear Rainforest with Ian McAllister. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with two rescued cats.
Leslie Redhead Leslie Redhead is an artist, teacher, illustrator and author whose watercolor paintings have earned international awards and recognition. In addition to being a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS), the Canadian Society for Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) and the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA), Leslie holds a Master of Education in Art Education. She divides her time between Victoria, British Columbia, and Idaho, giving painting instruction at the University of Victoria and in workshops throughout Canada, the United States and Spain. For more information, visit leslieredheadart.blogspot.com.
PJ Reece
Kass Reich Kass Reich is an educator and artist who was born in Montreal, Quebec. She earned a degree in art education from Concordia University in 2010. Kass is currently living in Melbourne, Australia, where she is spending time working on new projects. For more information please visit www.kassreich.com.
Donalda Reid
M.E. Reid Born in Chatham, New Brunswick, M.E. Reid has lived in Cold Lake (Alberta), Edmonton (Alberta), Petawawa (Ontario) and West Germany. She currently lives in Kitchener, Ontario. She has published fiction for adults under the name Mary Fanjoy Reid. The Turing Machinists is her first work for young adults.
Henia Reinhartz Born in 1926 in Lodz, Poland, Henia Reinhartz endured the Nazi occupation in the Lodz ghetto and then survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. Following the war, she lived briefly in Belgium and then moved to Paris where she graduated as a professionally trained Yiddish and Hebrew teacher and where she met her husband, Nochem. Henia immigrated to Canada in 1951 and initially lived in Montreal. She married Nochem in 1952 and soon after moved to Toronto. Henia and her husband have two children, Adele and Avrom.
Terry Reksten Terry Reksten (1942-2001) was born in England, grew up in Vancouver and was educated at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. In 1985 she was named an Honorary Citizen of the City of Victoria in recognition of her writing and her work in heritage preservation.
Ruby Remenda Swanson Originally from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Ruby Remenda Swanson is currently General Manager of the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden. She was a freelance promotional writer with the Children's Television Workshop in New York City. She is a recipient of the University of Alberta Human Rights Education Recognition Award and was a director of PFLAG Edmonton. Ruby lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband.
Frederic Remington
Anne Renaud Anne Renaud has a penchant for stories that have a historical slant. She has written several nonfiction books for nine-to-twelve-year-olds, on the topics of Pier 21, the Empress of Ireland, the Canadian Tulip Festival, Grosse Ile and the Nova Scotia giantess Anna Swan. Another outlet for her creativity is children's picture books, which Anne writes in both English and French. Anne's picture books include Mousseline vole au vent, Missuk's Snow Geese, Amande Lavande, Les pierres d'Emma and Mr. Crum's Potato Predicament. Anne is also a regular contributor to Australian and American children's magazines, including Orbit, Blast Off, Spider, Cricket and Highlights. Anne lives in Westmount, Quebec. For more information, visit www.annerenaud.net.
Cindy Revell Cindy Revell’s illustrations have been used on billboards, wine bottles, magazines and numerous children’s books all over North America. In 2001, Cindy was nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s book illustration. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, visit www.cindyrevell.com. Follow her on Twitter @cindyrev.
John Lawrence Reynolds John Lawrence Reynolds has had many works of fiction and nonfiction published. His work has earned several awards, including two Arthur Ellis Awards for Best Mystery Novel, a National Business Book Award, and a CBC Bookie Award. His bestselling book Shadow People, tracing the development and influence of secret societies through history, was published in fourteen countries and twelve languages. He is also the author of the Maxine Benson Mystery series. He lives in Burlington, Ontario, with his wife, Judy. For more information, visit www.wryter.ca.
Marilynn Reynolds Children's author Marilynn Reynolds was born in Sudbury, Ontario and grew up in Nipigon, Vancouver and Calgary. She worked as a reporter, book reviewer and editor before publishing her eight children's books with Orca Book Publishers.
Betty Rich Betty Rich was born Basia Kohn in Zdunska Wola, Poland on June 10, 1923, the second youngest in a family of seven children. She spent the war years in the Soviet Union and after the war lived in Lodz, Poland, where she married her husband, David Recht. They fled the Polish Communist regime in January 1949 and arrived in Toronto later that year. Betty and David had two children and four grandchildren. David became a real estate developer and after his untimely death in August 1971, Betty took over management of one of his buildings and continued to work in mortgages and investments until her retirement. Betty still lives on her own in Toronto.
Ian Richards
Katherine Richards Katherine Richards has a BA in creative writing from the University of Victoria. She is currently living abroad in the town of Bath, England, while she completes her MA. She trained in classical ballet at the International School of Ballet for fourteen years, dancing in productions such as The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides and Coppélia. Nova in New York is her first novel. For more information, visit katherinerichards.ca.
Linda L. Richards

Linda L. Richards is a journalist and award-winning author. She is the founding editor of January Magazine, one of the Web’s most respected voices about books. Linda can be found at lindalrichards.com and @lindalrichards.
Nina Richmond Nina Richmond is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Yolanda Ridge Yolanda Ridge lives in Burnaby, British Columbia, near an old-growth forest, where the trees are much too big for her to climb. Visit www.yolandaridge.com for more information.
Paul-Henri Rips Paul-Henri Rips was born in 1929, the son of a diamond merchant in Antwerp's famous diamond exchange. He was ten years old when the Nazis invaded Belgium in May 1940 and ended his golden childhood forever. After the war Paul-Henri Rips continued to live in Antwerp, where he worked in the diamond industry. He left in 1950 and moved to the Belgian Congo for ten years and then to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he met and married his wife, Lily, and their two children were born. In 1997, the couple immigrated to Toronto to join their children and grandchildren, where Paul-Henri lives with his wife.
Raquel Rivera The author of several books for children, Raquel Rivera has lived and worked in Washington, DC, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Barcelona and Toronto, Ontario (where she was born and raised). She now lives in Montréal, Québec, with her family. For more information, visit www.raquelriverawashere.com.
Karen Rivers

Karen Rivers is the author of fourteen novels, mostly for young adults. Her books have been nominated for a number of awards, including the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize and the Silver Birch Award. Karen lives, reads and writes in a yellow house near the beach in Victoria, British Columbia, and can almost always be found online at www.karenrivers.com..

Dr. Jillian Roberts Dr. Jillian Roberts is a renowned child psychologist, author, professor and parent. She earned her PhD at age twenty-six, became one of the youngest associate professors at the University of Victoria at thirty-two and shortly after became the associate dean of the Faculty of Education. During this time Dr. Roberts built one of Victoria, British Columbia's most successful child-psychology practices. Considered a go-to child psychology expert for journalists, Dr. Roberts has had her work published in the New York Times and the Toronto Sun, is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and Global News, and has been interviewed by The Tyee and the CBC. Her bestselling Just Enough series of children's books was released in 2016 to international acclaim. In early 2017 Dr. Roberts co-founded FamilySparks to offer families a supportive, resource-rich community to help them navigate our increasingly complicated world. For more information, visit drjillianroberts.com. Follow her on Twitter @DrJillRoberts.
Dr. Jillian Roberts
David A. Robertson David A. Robertson is an award-winning writer. His books include When We Were Alone (Governor General's Award winner, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award nominee), Will I See? (winner Manuela Dias Book Design and Illustration Award, Graphic Novel category), and the YA novel Strangers. David educates as well as entertains through his writings about Canada's Indigenous Peoples, reflecting their cultures, histories and communities, as well as illuminating many contemporary issues. David is a member of Norway House Cree Nation. He lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
David A. Robertson David A. Robertson is a member of Norway House Cree Nation, and he lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Joanne Robertson Joanne Robertson is AnishinaabeKwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She received her fine arts degree at Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. She founded the Empty Glass for Water campaign to bring attention to the drinking-water crisis in Indigenous communities. She works as a research assistant at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and continues to support the water walks. Joanne lives near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Gary Robinson Award-winning writer and filmmaker Gary Robinson (Choctaw/Cherokee) has participated in the production of dozens of Native American educational, informational and documentary television projects and has worked to create Native American content for most of his adult life. He is the author of sixteen books, including seven PathFinders teen novels. Gary lives in Santa Ynez, California. For more information, visit www. tribaleyeproductions.com.
Karen Robinson
Shantala Robinson
Nora Rock Nora Rock is a college professor and freelance writer. The author of a dozen textbooks for high school, community college and university, Nora specializes in writing about the law for non-lawyers like police officers, social workers and health-care professionals. She lives in Ajax, Ontario, with her husband and two sons.
Sabrine Rock
Sean Rodman Sean Rodman is the child of two anthropologists, who gave him a keen eye for observation and a bad case of wanderlust. His interest in writing for teenagers came out of working at schools around the world, including the Snowy Mountains of Australia, where he taught ancient history to future Olympic athletes. When not working on his own books, Sean works with The Story Studio, a charity that is dedicated to getting kids excited about writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit srodman.com.
Trudee Romanek Trudee Romanek is the award-winning author of a dozen nonfiction books for young readers. Raising the Stakes is her first novel. Trudee lives with her family in Barrie, Ontario. For more information, visit www.trudeeromanek.com.
Frances Rooney
Simon Rose
Michael Rosen
Bev Katz Rosenbaum Bev Katz Rosenbaum is the author of several works of fiction. She has worked in-house as an editor for book publishers and magazines and has taught writing at the college level. Currently she juggles writing children's books with freelance editing. Bev lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit bevkatz.com.
Graham Ross A graduate of the illustration program at Sheridan College in Ontario, Graham Ross began his freelance illustration and graphic design career in Ottawa. A career that has spawned illustrations for such publishers as Orca Book Publishers, Scholastic Canada, and Meadowside Books of the United Kingdom, as well as numerous Canadian government agencies and private design firms. He lives in Merrickville, Ontario with a circus star family: his juggling wife, a helldriver daughter, a canine cannonball, and a fire breathing cat. For more information, visit www.kidwithacrayon.com.
Jeff Ross Jeff Ross is an award-winning author of twelve novels for young adults. He lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his family and spends more time skateboarding, snowboarding and playing video games than is likely healthy. For more information, visit jeffrossbooks.com.
Julian Ross
Karen Rowe Karen Rowe is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Eli Rubenstein Eli Rubenstein is the National Director of The March of the Living Canada. He is a religious leader at a Toronto synagogue founded by Holocaust survivors which sponsors Passover seders for the homeless, Holocaust education programs, and award-winning documentaries.
Jeff Rud Jeff Rud was a print journalist in western Canada for twenty-eight years, twenty of them as a sports writer. He is currently executive director of communications and strategy in British Columbia's Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife, Lana, and likes to coach high-school basketball in his spare time.
Richard Rudnicki Richard Rudnicki is an award-winning picture-book illustrator, an author and a painter. He is perhaps best known for his paintings, drawings and illustrations depicting scenes and stories from Canada's past. His plein air and studio paintings of regional landscapes are in many collections. He paints contemporary genre and historical scenes. Most of his picture books are about subjects from Canadian history. He conducts workshops in painting, drawing and illustration, gives illustrated talks and takes private students. He is resident artist with the Halifax Army Museum. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.richardrudnicki.com.
Margariet Ruurs
Margriet Ruurs Margriet Ruurs is the author of many award-winning books for children. She enjoys speaking about reading and writing to students at schools around the world. Her adventures have taken her to such countries as Myanmar, Pakistan, Laos, Tanzania and many others. Margriet was born in the Netherlands but has been a Canadian for most of her life. She lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. For more information, visit margrietruurs.com.
Darlene Ryan

Darlene Ryan has been writing for as long as she can remember and was the 2006 poet recipient of the Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Early Childhood Literacy Award. As Sofie Kelly, she writes the best-selling Magical Cats mysteries. She lives with her family in Fredericton, New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.darleneryan.com.
Tom Ryan Tom Ryan was born and raised in Inverness, Cape Breton. After high school, he studied English at Mount Allison University and then moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he studied film production. He currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his husband and their dog, Wheeler. For more information, visit www.tomryanauthor.com.
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Rachel Sa
Allan Safarik
Lori Saigeon
Danielle Saint-Onge Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge live together in Toronto, Ontario, and teach in classrooms with students of diverse cultural backgrounds. Jeff and Danielle have written several books together. Danielle has a master's degree in social anthropology and is a crusader for equity in the classroom. Besides teaching, they spend their time writing stories and taking care of their twin babies.
Martha Salcudean Dr. Martha Salcudean was born on February 26, 1934, in Chiochi?, Romania. After the war, she earned a bachelor's and post-graduate degrees in mechanical engineering. At Bucharest's Research Centre for Metallurgy, she spent twelve years working in the area of heat transfer and fluids. After much effort, Martha left communist Romania, and in 1976 she came to Canada. From 1976 to 1985 she was a professor at the University of Ottawa, and in 1985 was appointed head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, the first female to hold the position of engineering department head in Canada. Martha Salcudean has published extensively in the area of heat transfer and fluid flow, serves on numerous distinguished committees and advisory boards, and has received three honorary doctorates and a number of prestigious awards and honours in her field, including the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation (1993); the Engineering Institute of Canada’s Julian C. Smith Medal (1995); the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Award in Engineering (1998); the Order of British Columbia (1998); Officer of the Order of Canada (2004); and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). Martha Salcudean is professor emeritus at UBC and lives in Vancouver.
Medora Sale Mystery writer Caroline Medora Sale Roe is the author of fourteen novels. As Medora Sale, she has written six police procedurals, including Murder on the Run, winner of an Arthur Ellis Award for best first novel. Sale is a past president of both the international Sisters in Crime and the Crime Writers of Canada. She lives with her husband in Toronto.
Sampar Multitalented, self-taught illustrator and cartoonist Samuel Parent, better known by the pen name Sampar, possesses a lively imagination that draws viewers into worlds that are moving, wacky and sometimes even mythical. His career as an illustrator hit its stride at the humor magazine Safarir, earning him widespread acclaim in Quebec, the United States and Australia. Sampar lives in Victoriaville, Quebec.
Joseph M. Sánchez Joseph M. Sánchez is a leader in Indigenous and Chicano arts since the 1970s, Joseph has worked with hundreds of artists creating work, developing exhibitions, and advocating for the rights of minority artists, most importantly with the Professional Native Indian Artists (Native Group of Seven). A spiritual surrealist, Joseph's work is sensual and dreamlike, provocative and thought-inducing.
Dolores Sand
Heather Sander
Shelly Sanders

Shelly Sanders has worked as a freelance writer for almost twenty years. Rachel's Secret was inspired by Shelly's grandmother, a Russian Jew who fled to Shanghai to escape the ongoing pogroms.
Paulette Sarmonpal
B.L. Sauder
Sarah Sawler Sarah Sawler is a freelance writer and journalist. In 2014 she was accepted into the prestigious Humber School for Writers for a postgraduate certificate program in creative writing, having previously earned a bachelor of arts from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband and two children. For more information, visit www.sarahsawler.com.
Sarah Sawler Sarah Sawler is a freelance writer and journalist. In 2014 she was accepted into the prestigious Humber School for Writers for a postgraduate certificate program in creative writing, having previously earned a bachelor of arts from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband and two children. For more information, visit www.sarahsawler.com.
Muriel Sawyer
Huck Scarry 'strong>Huck Scarry is the son of children’s authors Patricia Scarry and Richard Scarry. He has illustrated and written numerous children's books and since his father's passing in 1994 has created many new books featuring his father's charming animal characters. The commission to create illustrations for All About Anne was the "most challenging piece of work I have ever done." Huck worked on the spot in the Anne Frank House during several visits there, to get the illustrations as historically correct as possible, yet also engaging for young readers. He lives in Vienna, Austria.
Richard Scarsbrook Richard Scarsbrook’s short stories and poems have been published widely in literary journals, magazines and anthologies, and he has won a number of prizes and awards. Richard lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Vincent Schilling In addition to serving as the executive vice-president and co-owner of Schilling Media, Inc., a Native American media-relations corporation, Vincent Schilling is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe; an award-winning Native American author, producer and photojournalist; and a public speaker who has traveled throughout the United States and Canada.
Dennis Schmidt Dennis and Esther Schmidt are professional photographers who share a love for wilderness. Together they have authored and co-authored numerous books on the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.
Esther Schmidt Dennis and Esther Schmidt are professional photographers who share a love for wilderness. Together they have authored and co-authored numerous books on the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.
René Schmidt Rene Schmidt always wanted to write books, but only got Cs in high school. He has traveled many countries and worked as a miner, taxi and truck driver, construction worker and ship's crew. He eventually entered university where he discovered the creative writing department. Now he is a father and teacher in Brighton, Ontario, encouraging boys to read and write. For more information about Rene, visit www.reneschmidt.ca .
Faye Schulman Faye Schulman lives near Toronto part of the year and in the United States the rest. A mother and grandmother who lectures extensively about her experiences during the war, she has been decorated by the Russian, American and Canadian governments. Her photographs are on view in the Holocaust Museum in Washington, as well as in exhibits throughout the world.
Ellen Schwartz Ellen Schwartz is the author of over fifteen books. In addition to writing books, she has published dozens of magazine articles and adult short stories, and her stories for children have been published in children's magazines and teaching anthologies. Ellen, whose background is in education, currently works as a corporate and curriculum writer and editor, and teaches creative writing classes at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Ellen has two daughters and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.ellenschwartz.net.
Virginia Frances Schwartz
Magda (Miriam) Schwarz Magda (Miriam) Schwarz was born in 1918 in Gõdõllõ, Hungary. After surviving the war with her son, Adam, she moved to British Mandate Palestine in 1947, where she worked as a state comptroller, remarried and had a daughter, Nava. Miriam passed away in Israel in 1997.
Joseph Schwarzberg Joseph Schwarzberg was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1926. In September 1945, Joseph and his family were part of the second group of Jewish immigrants allowed to land in pre-state Israel. Joseph served as a sergeant in the Israeli army until his discharge in 1950. Joseph and his wife, Shulamit, immigrated to Toronto in 1968, where he established his own business, Adina J. Fashions, in the garment industry for twenty-five years. Joseph Schwarzberg lives in Toronto.
Tom Schwarzkopf Tom Schwarzkopf is a semi-retired teacher. He lives in Ottawa, Ontario, and spends part of every summer at Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
Alfred Scow Judge Alfred Scow, elder of the Kwakwa'wakw Nation, is a member of the Order of Canada. Now retired, Judge Scow and his wife live on Pender Island and in Vancouver.
Richard Scrimger

Richard Scrimger is the award-winning author of twenty books for children and adults, and has written for television and print media. His fiction has been translated into a dozen languages. The father of four children, Richard is used to being confused, misunderstood, and laughed at. For more information, visit www.scrimger.ca or follow him on Twitter @richardscrimger.
Olive Senior Olive Senior is the prize-winning author of a dozen books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Her short story collection Summer Lightning (Longman, 1986) won the inaugural Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book, and her poetry collection Over the Roofs of the World (Insomniac, 2005) was a finalist for the 2005 Governor General's Literary Award for poetry. Born in Jamaica, she divides her time between Jamaica and Toronto, Ontario. Learn more at www.olivesenior.com.
Zuzana Sermer Zuzana Sermer was born in the small town of Humenné in what is now Slovakia. She and Arthur Sermer married in July 1945 and lived under a Communist regime in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia for the next twenty-three years. They raised four children there, but fled to Canada when the Soviets occupied the country in August 1968. Now a widow, Zuzana lives in Toronto, where she paints and enjoys life in Canada surrounded by her large extended family.
Loretta Seto Loretta Seto is a fiction writer, screenwriter and playwright. She has been published in Ricepaper magazine and the anthology Strike the Wok. Loretta completed her MFA in creative writing at UBC. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.lorettaseto.com.
Ken Setterington
Stan Shadick Stan Shadick is a lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan and an active advocate of recreational stargazing. He produced the award-winning Skywatcher’s Calendar series from 1996 to 2012.
Liane Shaw Liane Shaw was an educator for more than twenty-five years and has been a parent for over thirty. She has long been a passionate advocate for the rights of youth facing a variety of physical, emotional and academic challenges. All six of her YA novels, along with her teaching memoir, present a diverse array of stories based on young people she has had the honor to know both at home and in the classroom. Liane lives in the Ottawa Valley. For more information, visit www.lianeshaw.ca.
Emil Sher
Gisela Tobien Sherman Gisela Sherman is an actor and a writer. She has written several children’s books, including Grave Danger and King of the Class, and is a contributor to the Globe and Mail and other newspapers.
Carol Shields Carol Shields was an American-born Canadian author. Her 1993 novel, The Stone Diaries, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in the United States and the Governor General's Award in Canada, among others. Her next book, Larry's Party, won the Orange Prize and Le Prix de Lire. Her last novel, Unless, was published in 2002, before Carol's death in July 2003. Shields wrote her master's thesis on Susanna Moodie, and it was her first published work.
Sima Elizabeth Shifrin
Elizabeth J. Shilton Elizabeth Shilton has recently retired from one of Canada's leading labour and employment law firms, where she was a litigator and managing partner for a number of years. She has now returned to law school to pursue doctoral studies in pension policy. She is a member of the Ontario Financial Services Tribunal and lives in Toronto.
Jocelyn Shipley Jocelyn Shipley has written several books for teens, including Impossible and Shatterproof. Her award-winning stories have been published in newspapers and anthologies, and her work has been translated into many languages. Jocelyn lives in Toronto, Ontario, and on Vancouver Island. For more information, visit www.jocelynshipley.com.
Kathryn E. Shoemaker Kathryn E. Shoemaker is the illustrator of many books for children, among them A Telling Time, My Animal Friends and Floyd the Flamingo and his flock of friends for Tradewind Books. She teaches children’s illustration at Langara College in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Nancy Shouse
Adam Shtibel
Rachel Shtibel Rachel Milbauer was born in 1935 in Eastern Galicia and Adam Shtibel was born in 1928 in Komarów, Poland. After liberation, Adam joined the Polish air force. With the situation for Jews in Poland worsening in the mid-1950s, the Shtibels moved to Israel, where Adam worked in the aircraft industry and Rachel obtained an MA in microbiology from Tel Aviv University and worked as a senior scientist in bacteriology. In 1968, Rachel and Adam moved to Toronto with their two daughters and continued their successful careers in their respective fields. They live in Toronto and have five granddaughters.
Mary Siemens
Kim Sigafus Kim Sigafus is an award-winning Ojibwa writer and Illinois Humanities Road Scholars speaker. She has coauthored two award-winning 7th Generation books in the Native Trailblazers series of biographies: Native Writers: Voices of Power and Native Elders: Sharing Their Wisdom. Her fiction work includes The Mida, an eight-volume series about a mystically powerful time-traveling carnival owned by an Ojibwa woman. Kim resides with her husband in Freeport, Illinois. For more information, visit www.kimberlysigafus.com.
Sarah Silberstein Swartz Sarah Swartz was editor-in-chief of Jewish Women in America: An Historic Encyclopedia. Her other books include Found Treasures and Bar Mitzvah. Born in Germany and raised in the United States, she lives in Toronto where she works as a freelance editor and writer.
Judith Silverthorne Judith Silverthorne is the author of eight children’s novels, including The Secret of Sentinel Rock and books in the Dinosaur Adventure series, both published by Coteau Books. She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan. For more information, visit www.judithsilverthorne.ca.
Danielle Simard
Suzanne Simoni
Joseph Simons Joseph Simons lives happily with his wife, Karen, and their little white dog in Little Italy, Edmonton. Joseph works as a teacher's assistant with special needs kids in a junior high school. He does many school visits with his book to read to and workshop with students.
Marijke Simons Marijke Simons is the author and illustrator of several popular books for children (Jigs and Reels, Who's a Scaredy-Cat!). She was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1954. She currently teaches French and art in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Caroll Simpson Caroll Simpson is the author and illustrator of Coastal Spirit Tales, a series inspired by the First People and natural environment of the Pacific Northwest.
Caroll Simpson Caroll Simpson is the author and illustrator of Coastal Spirit Tales, an acclaimed series of children's picture books that celebrates and takes inspiration from the art, mythology and environment of the Pacific Northwest, as well as board books for younger children, including Creatures of the Land and Sky and Creatures of the Sea. Caroll is also an educator who taught Indigenous art and drama to elementary schoolchildren for over twenty years. She lives in Granisle, British Columbia.
Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair is Anishinaabe (St. Peter's/Little Peguis) and an associate professor at the University of Manitoba.
Rina Singh Rina Singh has published several critically acclaimed books for children inspired by her Indo-Canadian heritage. Diwali: A Festival of Lights was nominated for the Red Cedar Award, and A Forest of Stories has been translated into many languages. For more information, visit www.rinasingh.com.
Crystal Sissons Crystal Sissons is an independent historian and works at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada in Ottawa. She completed her Master's and Ph.D. in history at the University of Ottawa, after finishing undergraduate degrees in history and education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Crystal is also active in a number of organizations, including the Business and Professional Women's Club of Ottawa within BPW Canada.
Pat Skene Pat Skene lives in Cobourg, Ontario where she writes a syndicated newspaper story page for children. She is also the author of award-winning picture book, The Whoosh of Gadoosh, Illumination Arts, Bellevue WA 2002. Pat is a member of CANSCAIP and The Writer's Union of Canada. For more information, visit www.boomerrantz.wordpress.com or email her at pat.skene@sympatico.ca.
David Skulski
David Skuy David Skuy is the author of award-winning books for young readers. His books focus on the issues young people face, and he often uses sports as the vehicle to tell their stories. His work includes the Rocket Blues and Undergrounders series of hockey-themed novels, and the Striker series, which focuses on soccer. Skuy lives in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.davidskuy.com.
Linda Sky Grossman
Arthur Slade Arthur Slade is a Governor General's Award-winning author of many novels for young readers. Raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, Arthur now makes his home in Saskatoon. For more information, visit arthurslade.com.
Ruby Slipperjack
Norene Smiley
David Preston Smith
Emilie Smith
Heather Smith Originally from Newfoundland, Heather Smith now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her family. Her Newfoundland roots inspire much of her writing. Her middle-grade novel Ebb and Flow was short-listed for the Governor General's Literary Award, and her YA novel The Agony of Bun O'Keefe won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award and was short-listed for the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award and the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People. For more information, visit heathertsmith.com.
Linda Smith Linda Smith loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books when she was growing up on the prairies, and regularly pretended that she was a pioneer. Linda's published titles include Windshifter, Sea Change, The Turning Time, Sir Cassie to the Rescue, The Minstrel's Daughter, Talisa's Song, The Weathermage, Kelly's Cabin, and The Broken Thread.
Lori Joy Smith Lori Joy Smith is an artist and illustrator with many picture books to her credit. She's also illustrated for magazines, including Chirp, and for beloved children's entertainers Bobs & Lolo. She currently lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with her family. For more information, visit www.lorijoysmith.com.
Mark David Smith Mark David Smith is an English teacher from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, where he lives with his wife and children. Caravaggio: Signed in Blood is his first published novel.
Sydney Smith Sydney Smith has been drawing from an early age. Since graduating NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design), he has illustrated numerous children's books, including Mabel Murple, Toes in my Nose and There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen. In 2015 he was awarded the Governor General's Award, among various other accolades. Originally from Nova Scotia, he now lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife and son.
Gloria Snively Gloria Snively is a professor emeritus of science, environmental, and marine education in the Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, and a former classroom teacher of primary and junior secondary grades. She is a founding member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators, and the author of Explore the Wild Coast with Sam and Crystal and the classic bestselling field guide Exploring the Seashore in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, now in its eleventh printing. She lives in Sooke, British Columbia.
Joanne Snook-Hann Joanne Snook-Hann has been painting and drawing for over twenty years, and graduated from Newfoundland’s Memorial University with a BFA. She is the illustrator of several children’s books and lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Ken Sobol Ken Sobol moved with his wife Julie and their three children from the United States to Canada in 1973, where Ken continued his Emmy-winning tv writing career. Ken authored several children's books, and Julie and Ken began writing together in the 1980s, publishing two books together about Lake Erie. Ken and Julie collaborated on their last project until Ken died in 2010.
Jeff Solway
Claudia Souza
Karen Spafford-Fitz Karen Spafford-Fitz is the author of several novels for young people, including Vanish and Dog Walker in the Orca Currents series. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, visit www.karenspafford-fitz.com.
Andrea Spalding Andrea Spalding immigrated to Canada in 1967 from Manchester, England. After living in Alberta for 24 years, Andrea relocated to British Columbia and lived on Pender Island. Her first children's book, The Most Beautiful Kite in the World, was selected as a Canadian Children's Book Center's "Our Choice." She has garnered awards and nominations ever since. For more information, visist www.andreaspalding.squarespace.com.
Tasha Spillett Tasha Spillett draws her strength from both her Nehiyaw and Trinidadian bloodlines. She is a celebrated educator, poet, and emerging scholar. Tasha is most heart-tied to contributing to community-led work that centres on land and water defence, and the protection of Indigenous women and girls. Tasha is currently working on her PhD in Education through the University of Saskatchewan, where she holds a Vanier Canada Award.
Ashley Spires Ashley Spires is the creator of the award-winning Binky the Space Cat series and has authored and illustrated many picturebooks. Her dog, Gordon, is very pleased that she finally illustrated a book without a cat in it. She lives in Ladner, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.ashleyspires.com.
Amanda Spottiswoode Born and raised in England, Amanda Spottiswoode was taught to sail as a child by the Royal Navy on the River Thames. After immigrating to Canada and ultimately settling on Salt Spring Island, she realized her childhood dream of exploring a rugged coastline by boat. Her yearly voyages on the thirty-four-foot wooden sloop South Islander were the inspiration for her first children's book, Brother XII's Treasure. Its sequel, The Silver Lining, was inspired by her lifelong love of horses and keen interest in ranching history. Amanda lives on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Debbie Spring
Mike Spring Mike Spring is a voice actor who has narrated two titles from Orca's Seven series.
The Students Of Valerie Dockendorff's Springdale Elementary 5/6 Class
Dawn Sprung Dawn Sprung has a lifelong passion for storytelling and the outdoors. She lives on a ranch in southern Alberta, where the land and wildlife at her doorstep constantly inspire her.
Barbara Spurll Barbara Spurll is a professional illustrator from Toronto, Ontario. Visit her website at www.barbaraspurll.com.
Trina St. Jean

Trina St. Jean grew up in northern Alberta but later moved to pursue degrees in psychology and education. She also has an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College. She now lives in Calgary where she teaches ESL and enjoys strategically evading grizzlies in the nearby Rockies with her husband and two daughters. Blank is Trina’s first novel.Visit www.trinastjean for more information.
Anthony St. Pierre
Ted Staunton

Ted Staunton divides his time between writing and a busy schedule as a speaker, workshop leader, storyteller and musical performer for children and adults. Ted lives in Port Hope, Ontario. For more information, visit www.tedstauntonbooks.com.
Adrianna Steele-Card
Tania Duprey Stehlik
Christopher Steininger Christopher Steininger has done storyboards for numerous shows and video games, including Marvel's Avengers Assemble and Spec Ops: The Line. He's also created concept art for a variety of projects, such as Warhammer 40K and Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. He is the illustrator of In Search of Hannibal, a historically accurate retelling of Hannibal's epic battle against Rome, and the creator of the Dead Heaven fantasy series. He lives in Inglewood, Ontario. For more information, visit www.christophersteininger.com.
Caroline Stellings Caroline Stellings is an award-winning artist, author and children's book illustrator. Her book The Contest, part of the Gutsy Girl series, won the 2009 ForeWord Book of the Year Award. Besides her many books for children and young adults, including the Nicki Haddon Mystery series, she is also the writer of The Nancy Drew Crookbook, a long-running series in The Sleuth magazine.
R. David Stephens
George Stern George Stern was born on April 21, 1931 in the Budapest suburb of Újpest. After the war, he immigrated to Israel and fought in the War of Independence. George and his wife, Judit, left Israel for São Paulo, Brazil with their two children in 1960, where they lived until they immigrated to Canada in 1969. George is very active in Holocaust education both in Toronto, where he and his wife still live, and in Florida.
Willie Sterner Willie Sterner was born in Wolbrom, Poland on September 15, 1919. The eldest of seven children, he was the only one to survive the Holocaust. Throughout the war Willie worked in his trade as a painter in various labour and concentration camps, including one year when he worked for the celebrated Oskar Schindler. After the war, Willie Sterner lived in Displaced Persons camps in Austria, first in Wels, where he became chief of the Jewish police and courted his wife, Eva, and then in Linz-Bindermichl. They immigrated to Canada in 1948 and settled in Montreal, where their two sons were born. Willie and Eva Sterner live in Montreal.
Art Stevens Arthur Stevens is a Mi'kmaq community member from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia. As a published artist, illustrator and graphic designer, Arthur is an award-winning Indigenous professional who takes pride in sharing his creative works and is always looking for artistic opportunities that engage and promote connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Robin Stevenson Robin Stevenson is the author of Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community, which won a Stonewall Honor and was shortlisted for numerous other awards. She has also written twenty novels for kids and teens. Robin lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit robinstevenson.com.
H.E. Stewart H.E. Stewart is an artist and the author and illustrator of many award-winning books for both children and adults. She is a passionate gardener with a lifelong interest in nature. H.E. lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.hestewart.com.
Sarah Stewart Sarah Stewart is a physiotherapist who lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Shannon Stewart Shannon Stewart teaches in a francophone school in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she has had the opportunity to meet and learn from students all over the world. She is the author of Sea Crow (Orca, 2004), Alphabad: An Alphabet Book for Wicked Children! (Key Porter Books, 2005) and Captain Jake (Orca, 2008). She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia.
Kathy Stinson
Heidi Jardine Stoddart Heidi Jardine Stoddart is an author and illustrator of several popular children’s books, including the popular East to the Sea, Return to the Sea and Back to the Beach. She lives in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, with her husband, Dwayne, and their dog, Colby.
Tiffany Stone
Jen Storm Jennifer Storm is an Ojibway writer from the Couchiching First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jennifer completed Deadly Loyalties, her first novel, at age fourteen. In 2006, Jennifer received the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award as well as the Helen Betty Osborne Award.
Jen Storm Jen Storm is an Ojibway writer and artist from Couchiching First Nation in northwestern Ontario.
Jon C. Stott Jon C. Stott is a former professor of English at the University of Alberta, where he authored several publications on the study of children’s literature. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Amanda Strong Amanda Strong is a Michif, Indigenous filmmaker, media artist, and stop motion director currently based out of the unceded Coast Salish territory also known as Vancouver, British Columbia.
Chris Struyk-Bonn Chris Struyk-Bonn is currently a high school English teacher in Portland, Oregon, and has at last found a job she thoroughly enjoys. Whisper is her first book. For more information, visit www.chrisstruykbonn.com.
Joan Betty Stuchner Joan Betty Stuchner loved stories. When she wasn’t writing, she worked in a library, taught part-time and acted in community theater. Sadly, Joan lost her battle with cancer on June 7, 2014, but her stories will continue to bring joy to readers for years to come.
Mary Rose Sundberg
Shelagh Lynne Supeene Shelagh Lynne Supeene began writing for children when her own children were learning to read. She lives in Waterloo, Ontario.
Michelle Superle
Alan Syliboy Artist Alan Syliboy attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where, twenty-five years later, he was invited to sit on the board of governors. Alan looks to the indigenous Mi'kmaw petroglyph tradition for inspiration and develops his own artistic vocabulary out of those forms. He lives in Truro, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.alansyliboy.com.
Ann Szedlecki Ann Szedlecki was born Chana Fraijlich in Lodz, Poland in 1925. After spending the war in the Soviet Union, she returned to Lodz to find that every member of her family had perished. In 1950, she met and married Abraham Szedlecki. They emigrated first to Israel and then, in 1953, to Toronto, where their daughter, Lynda, was born. Ann worked in the garment district, but eventually opened her own successful ladies' clothing store, which she operated for twenty-five years. She became an avid community volunteer, discovering her natural talent as a storyteller. Ann Szedlecki passed away in 2005.
Jeff Szpirglas Jeff Szpirglas is the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling Wild Cards and the Red Maple Award nominee You Just Can't Help It! He has worked at CTV and was an editor at Chirp, Chickadee and Owl magazines. He is the father of twins and has two cats (the cats are not twins). In his spare time, he teaches second grade. Jeff lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Jeff Szpirglas Jeff Szpirglas is the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling Wild Cards and the Red Maple Award nominee You Just Can't Help It! He has worked at CTV and was an editor at Chirp, Chickadee and Owl magazines. He is the father of twins and has two cats (the cats are not twins). In his spare time, he teaches second grade. Jeff lives in Toronto, Ontario.
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Sylvia Taekema Sylvia Taekema's first novel, Seconds, was voted a Silver Birch Express Award Honour Book. She enjoys visiting classrooms and libraries and meeting with readers and writers of all ages. She also loves to read, bake cookies and go on camping adventures with her family. She lives in Chatham, Ontario. For more information, visit www.sylviataekema.wordpress.com.
Urve Tamberg Urve Tamberg grew up in Toronto, Ontario, as the daughter of Estonian immigrant parents. Urve lives in Oakville, Ontario.
William Tannenzapf William Tannenzapf was born in Stanislawów, Poland in 1911 and his daughter, Renate, was born in the midst of occupation in March 1941. After the war, the family made their way to a Displaced Persons camp in Germany before they immigrated to Canada in 1948. The Tannenzapfs first lived in Montreal and then moved to Hamilton, where William Tannenzapf worked for the Westinghouse Electric Company, inventing several new technologies.
Nikki Tate Nikki Tate is the author of more than thirty books, most of which are for children and teenagers. She lives in Canmore, Alberta, and has traveled all over the world and spent time in Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Iceland, Canada, France, the United States and Japan. For more information, visit nikkitate.com.
Dani Tate-Stratton Dani Tate-Stratton lives with her husband in Victoria, British Columbia, but is always plotting her next trip. When she isn’t exploring other cities, she is a graphic designer, writer, compulsive crafter and devoted dog mom.
Cora Taylor
Wanda Lauren Taylor
Margarita Kenefic Tejada
Diane Terrana Diane Terrana has worked as an actress, a belly dancer and a high-school English and drama teacher. Currently she is the executive editor at The Rights Factory. Born in Alberta, she lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and three children. She loves editing and writing almost as much as she loves reading.
The March Of The Living The March of the Living is an annual educational program that takes students from all over the world to Poland, in order to study the Holocaust.
Tamara Thiebaux-Heikalo Tamara Thiébaux-Heikalo has drawn and painted all her life, and is the illustrator of many books for children, including Driftwood Dragons and The Cat from Kosovo. She and her artist husband live in Mount Hanley, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.volantemultimedia.com.
Erin Thomas Erin Thomas is the author of several books for children and teens. She lives in Whitby, Ontario, with her husband, their daughter, a small gray cat and a large black dog. For more information, visit www.erinthomas.ca.
Penny M. Thomas Penny M. Thomas, of Cree-Ojibway background, believes in approaching healing from all directions, with storytelling key to this purpose. She is an advocate for First Nations people and works in the field of psychology and therapy.
Vital Thomas Vital Thomas passed the story of Yamozha and His Beaver Wife to June Helm, who spent much of her life studying the Dogrib people. Storytelling has been part of Dene life for centuries, and the story of Yamozha and His Beaver Wife is well known to the Dogrib people.
Edosdi Dr. Judy Thompson
Elsa Thon Elsa Thon was born on January 10, 1923 in Pruszków, Poland. After liberation, she ended up in the Feldafing DP camp, where she married a Soviet tank commander, Mayer Thon. They went to Israel in 1948 and, as war survivors, were given special permission to immigrate to Argentina in 1955. They immigrated to Canada in 1980. Elsa lives in Toronto.
Mark Thurman
Ronald Tierney Ronald Tierney has been nominated for the Private Eye Writers of America’s Shamus Award for Best First Novel, and Booklist describes his series featuring semi-retired private investigator “Deets” Shanahan as “packed with new angles and delights.” Before writing mysteries, Tierney was founding editor of NUVO, an Indianapolis alternative newspaper, and the editor of several other periodicals. Ronald lives in San Francisco, where he continues to write. For more information, visit www.ronaldtierney.com.
Meg Tilly Meg Tilly is the author of two adult novels, Singing Songs (A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, 1994) and Gemma, both published with Syren Book Company. Her first YA novel, Porcupine, was released by Tundra in Sept 2007, and was shortlisted for a BC Book Prize, The Canadian Libraries Association Best Children’s Book 2008, and Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award 2008. It also was an Ontario Library Top Ten Best Bets 2008. First Time is her first book published with Orca. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her family. For more information, visit www.officialmegtilly.com.
Sonia Tilson Sonia Tilson was born in Wales and immigrated to Canada in 1964. She taught English to all levels of students, and her first book, The Monkey Puzzle Tree, was published in 2013 and was nominated for the Metcalf-Rooke Award and the Ottawa Book Award.
Tim Tingle Tim Tingle is an Oklahoma Choctaw and an award-winning author and storyteller. Tim performs a Choctaw story before Chief Batton's State of the Nation address at every Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival.In June 2011, Tim spoke at the Library of Congress and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. From 2011 to 2016 he was featured at Choctaw Days, a celebration at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Tim's great-great-grandfather, John Carnes, walked the Trail of Tears in 1835. In 1992, Tim retraced the trail to Choctaw homelands in Mississippi, a journey that inspired his first book, Walking the Choctaw Road. Tim's first Pathfinders novel, Danny Blackgoat: Navajo Prisoner, was an American Indian Youth Literature Awards honor book in 2014.

In 2018, Tim received the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book. That same year, A Name Earned, the third book in his No Name series for young readers, earned a Kirkus starred review. For more information, visit www.timtingle.com
Deborah Tobin
Sue Todd Sue Todd is an award-winning illustrator living in Toronto, Ontario. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University). Sue began her career as a freelance designer in retail advertising. For a more creative outlet, she took up linoleum carving, an ancient printmaking technique similar to woodcut, and developed a unique style of art that led to a career in illustration. Sue has created images for a wide range of clients, from advertising and corporate to editorial and publishing. For more information, visit www.suetodd.com.
Agnes Tomasov Agnes Tomasov was born in the small town of Bardejov, in the Slovakian region of Czechoslovakia, on June 16, 1930. After the war, between 1949 and 1968, she lived in Prague and Kosice, Czechoslovakia, now in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, respectively. In 1968, following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, she immigrated to Canada with her husband, Joe, and their two children. Agnes and her husband currently live in Toronto and enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Deborah Toogood Deborah Toogood recently retired as an English-language teacher. Growing up, she spent her summers on the beach with her brothers. In later years she enjoyed summers on the Northumberland shore of Nova Scotia with her two children. Chasing the Phantom Ship is her first novel. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Susan Tooke
Teresa Toten Teresa Toten is the author of the acclaimed Blondes series, as well as The Game, The Onlyhouse and The Taming (with Eric Walters). Teresa won the Governor General’s Literary Award for The Unlikely Hero of Room 13b, which also won the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, the CBC Bookie Award, was the CLA Honour Book for 2013 and was nominated for the 2014 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. For more information, visit www.teresatoten.com.
Chris Tougas Chris Tougas is an award-winning author and illustrator of several picture books, including Dojo Daycare (Owlkids, 2014) and Mechanimals (Orca, 2007). He has worked as a character designer and concept developer for such studios as Disney, Fox, The Jim Henson Company, Warner Brothers, Sesame Workshop and many others. Chris lives and works in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.christougas.com.
Isadore Toulouse
Pamela Rose Toulouse Pamela Rose Toulouse, Ph.D., is an Anishinabekwe (Ojibwe/Odawa woman) from Sagamok First Nation. Currently, she is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. She has more than 20 years of diverse experience throughout the elementary to postsecondary education continuum. Dr. Toulouse is also a 3M National Teaching Excellence Fellow. She has over 50 published resources including books, articles, reports, webinars, and other notable selections.
Nhung N. Tran-Davies Nhung N. Tran-Davies is a physician and founder of the Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation. She has been a speaker at the UN's International Organization for Migration conference in Geneva as part of its I am a Migrant campaign to help reduce hate speech and promote tolerance.
Rhea Tregebov
Don Trembath Don Trembath's first book, The Tuesday Cafe, was published in 1996. Don also teaches writing at MacEwan University in Edmonton, and regularly visit schools and libraries across the country. Don currently lives in the town of Morinville, Alberta with his wife, Lisa, their three kids, three laid back cats, and their neighbor's big dog.
Judy Trousdell
Jean-Luc Trudel Jean-Luc Trudel is an artist from Montreal, Quebec, specializing in children's book illustration. His book, Ma petit boule d’amour, written by Jasmine Dubé, was nominated for the Prix des libraires du Quebec in 2014.
Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang is the author of several children's books and some books of poetry. Her work has been published and translated internationally, named to the OLA'S Best Bets for Children (2010), CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens (2011 and 2012) and the Toronto Public Library's First and Best Book List (2012), and nominated for the Blue Spruce and Silver Birch Awards. She lives in Kingston, Ontario. For more information, visit www.sarahtsiang.wordpress.com.
Diane Tullson

Diane Tullson has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and is a trained technical writer. She is a member of the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable, Children's Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia and the Writers Union of Canada. Diane has been nominated for many awards, including the Stellar Award and the Arthur Ellis Award. Diane lives near Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.dianetullson.com.

Rachael Turkienicz
Sarah E. Turner
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Rebecca Upjohn Rebecca Upjohn has worked herding sheep, photographing buildings, selling books, releasing trees and producing a short film. Rebecca's first book, Lily and the Paper Man (Second Story Press), was published in 2007. Visit www.rebeccaupjohn.com for more information.
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Alessandro Vallecchil
Richard Van Camp Richard Van Camp is a proud member of the Tlicho Dene Nation from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. A graduate of the En'owkin International School of Writing, the University of Victoria's BFA in Creative Writing program and the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, Richard is the author of over twenty books in just about every genre, including Little You and Welcome Song for Baby. His novel The Lesser Blessed is now a movie with First Generation Films. For more information, visit richardvancamp.com. Follow him on social media @richardvancamp.
Richard Van Camp Richard Van Camp is an author and proud member of the Tlicho Dene from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Vlasta Van Kampen Vlasta van Kampen is an award -winning illustrator and has published over 48 books. She graduated from OCA (now known as OCAD) University in 1966. On scholarship she studied typography and book design at the Gerrit Rietfeld Akedemie in The Netherlands. She delights in developing animal characters that will entertain the viewer. Her art is story telling in great detail, rendered in rich, saturated watercolors. Vlasta lives in Coburg, Ontario. For more information, visit www.vlasta.ca.
Dirk Van Stralen Dirk van Stralen has loved to draw since he was four years old. He is a cartoonist and a graphic artist, and he likes to act and write silly songs. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his family.
Alex Van Tol Alex Van Tol grew up reading a wide range of books, from Enid Blyton to Stephen King. She taught middle school for eight years, then made the switch to writing for a living. She has published numerous titles with Orca. Alex lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family. For more information, visit www.alexvantol.com.
Garth Vaughan
Gabrielle Vaughn Gabrielle Vaughn is a voice actor who has narrated for Orca's Secrets series.
Kimberley Veness Kimberley Veness is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Adams Lake, British Columbia, with her partner and two children. Let's Eat is her first book. For more information, visit www.kimberleybveness.com.
Katherena Vermette Katherena Vermette is a Métis writer of poetry, fiction and children's literature. Her first book, North End Love Songs (The Muses' Company), won the 2013 Governor General's Literary Award for English Poetry. Her first novel, The Break (House of Anansi), was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction and the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Her National Film Board film this river won the 2017 Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Documentary. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more information, visit www.katherenavermette.com.
Katherena Vermette Katherena Vermette is a Métis writer from Treaty One territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Caitlyn Vernon Caitlyn Vernon grew up on British Columbia's Pacific Coast and now calls Victoria home. She will never be too big to wade in the ocean in her gumboots, poke around in tide pools, explore coastal forests or climb trees and mountains. Caitlyn has a background in biology and environmental studies and is currently a campaigner with Sierra Club BC, working to protect the Great Bear Rainforest. Nowhere Else on Earth is her first book.
Steve Vernon
Ken Victor Ken Victor moved to Canada full time from the United States in 1990 after spending many summers guiding canoe trips in northwestern Ontario. A graduate of the writing program at Syracuse University, he has published his poetry in journals on both sides of the border over the years. Now a Canadian, Victor makes his home with his wife and three children in the Gatineau Hills of West Quebec, where he designs learning for organizations.
Silvia Vignale
Anna Voticky Anka Voticky was born in the small town of Brandýs nad Labem in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1913 and her family moved to Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1918. She survived the war years with her family in Shanghai, China and moved back to Prague in 1946. In 1948, Anka, her husband, Arnold, and their two children, Milan and Vera, immigrated to Canada to escape the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. They settled in Montreal, where their younger son, Michael, was born. Anka died in 2014 at the age of 100.
Chelsea Vowel Chelsea Vowel is Métis from manitow-sâkahikan (Lac Ste. Anne), Alberta, and currently resides in amiskwâciwaskahikan (Edmonton).
Chelsea Vowel Chelsea Vowel is Métis from manitow-sâkahikan (Lac Ste. Anne) Alberta, currently residing in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Mother to six girls, she has a BEd and LLB, and is currently a graduate student and Cree language curriculum developer. Chelsea is a public intellectual, writer, speaker, and educator whose work intersects language, gender, Métis self-determination, and resurgence. Cohost with Molly Swain of Indigenous feminist sci-fi podcast Métis in Space, Chelsea blogs at apihtawikosisan.com and makes auntie-approved legendary bannock.
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Rachel Wada Rachel Wada is a freelance illustrator whose work is defined by heavy texture, bold color and intricate details that capture the nuances of people, places and ideas, real and surreal. Rachel's identity as Japanese-Cantonese, an immigrant and a woman informs her artistic practice. She loves to put her own spin on traditional techniques, motifs and symbolism inspired by her cultural background. This duality of old and new is also apparent in her use of both traditional and digita