
Maria Padian
How To Build a Heart
Maria Padian, author of How to Build a Heart, has a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She is a freelance writer, essayist, and author of young adult novels. She lives with her family in Brunswick, Maine.

Morgan Parker
Who Put This Song On?
Morgan Parker, author of Who Put This Song On? and Magical Negro, is a poet, essayist, and novelist. She is also the author of the poetry collections There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé and Other People’s Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night.

Ali Pfautz
Let's Count & Move!
Ali Pfautz, author of Let’s Count and Move!, is a children’s storyteller known as The Story Lady. Using stories, songs, and poems, she has entertained thousands of children, encouraging them to use their imaginations. She also teaches music and movement, dance, and storytelling classes.

Christine Platt
Ana & Andrew: Going to Ghana
Christine Platt, author of Ana & Andrew: Going To Ghana, believes that storytelling is a tool for social change. Her work centers on teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sandy Pugh
When I Grow Up
Sandy Pugh, author-illustrator of When I Grow Up, has also written five other children’s books in the We The Peepers series. She created her wacky and whimsical characters while teaching art in Fairfax County Public Schools.