CHILDREN LITERATURE authors
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Andrew J. Hall
Children's Literature Instagram: @andrewjhallart Andrew J. Hall is an author and illustrator with a heart for sparking imagination and adventure in kids of all ages. With four children’s picture books and a sixty-page coloring book already published, stickers, and a plushie set (with plenty more stories on the way), Andrew is quickly building a world full of humor, heart, and creativity. His goal is simple: Create Good Art, Tell Great Stories, and Inspire Imagination. His Bartholomew Babbitt series is where it all began, following a wildly imaginative boy whose adventures turn ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys. From sailing the seas in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bathtime Bonanza, to blasting off into space in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bedtime Blastoff, to riding through a backyard Wild West in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bicycle Bronco, each story captures the joy of creativity and play. The companion coloring book, Bartholomew Babbitt’s Running Wild, invites readers to join in and bring the stories to life in their own way. Before becoming a full-time author and illustrator, Andrew worked as a professional firefighter. The experience taught him about courage, connection, and finding purpose in helping others. While he still holds those years close, he has found a new sense of purpose in storytelling and art. Today, Andrew continues to dream up new worlds, create fun and memorable characters, and tell stories that inspire kids, and parents too, to imagine bigger. Follow along for new releases and behind-the-scenes art on Instagram: @andrewjhallart 
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Barry R. Beck Jr.
Children's Literature Website Barry R. Beck Jr., hailing from Danville, VA, has a profound passion for mathematics that has driven his long and successful teaching career. His enthusiasm for numbers began in Virginia and has since inspired countless students, thanks to his engaging and skillful teaching methods. Barry excels at making math enjoyable and accessible, helping students understand complex concepts with ease. As an author, Barry aims to extend his love for learning beyond the classroom. Through his writings, he seeks to illuminate the magic of math for students, parents, and teachers alike, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of the subject. 
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David Gorman
Children's Literature Website David Gorman is a middle grade author who writes exciting mystery adventures for kids. He spent his childhood summers at Waldameer & Water World, the amusement park his family owns in Erie, Pennsylvania. Now, he spins stories from those childhood memories to bring the joy of roller coasters, waterslides, and cotton candy to readers. David’s Waldameer Mystery Files series follows siblings Seth and Julia as they solve mysteries at the park, from identifying the prankster in the haunted house ride to searching for stolen jewels in the food stands. His latest book, The Hidden Heirloom, is the seventh in the series. David’s work as a middle school counselor inspires him to include positive themes and a multicultural cast of characters in each book. He enjoys speaking at schools to inspire students to read and write. He lives in Richmond, Virginia. 
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Kathryn Louise Wood
Children's Literature Website Kathryn Louise Wood was born in Washington, North Carolina with deep ancestral roots in her home state stretching back to the 17th century. She received her BS in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and, as a life-long learner and wearer of multiple hats, has worked as a teacher, social worker, television re-enactment actress, nationally certified massage therapist, writer, and award-winning photographic artist. She and her husband live in the lovely, historic town of Edenton, NC, sharing their quirky, little 1895 cottage with their two dogs, and the memories of loved ones with whom they have shared their lives. Kathryn is the author of the Zephyr Stone middle-grade supernatural mystery series published by Blue Ink Press. 
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Kim Ellis
Children's Literature Social Media @KimEllisCreates Kim Ellis is an author, illustrator, teacher, and homeschool mom. Born in South Korea and adopted as an infant, she grew up living in Japan and across the United States as part of an Air Force family. She earned her degree in children's book illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Kim is the author of four children's books - Butterflies for Rory, Zach's Family, Annyeong Koreal, and Penny's Treehouse Triumph. She was honored as Suffolk News-Herald's "Best Local Author" in both 2021 and 2022, and was nominated again in 2023 and 2025. Since 2008, Kim has homeschooled her blended family of seven children, who now range in age from 9 to 25. She lives in Suffolk, Virginia with her husband and five of their children. In addition to creative work, Kim serves on the Suffolk Public Library Advisory Board and is President of the Genevie Shelter's Board. When she isn't writing or illustrating, she loves reading, gardening, beach days, long walks, collecting stickers, and experimenting with new vegan recipes. 
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Leslie Eva Tayloe
Children's Literature Website Leslie Eva Tayloe is an award-winning children’s picture book author of The Attic Door, a 2024 Story Monster’s Approved Award, and 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award; Save the Trees, a 2024 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, and 2025 Longlisted for the Green Earth Book Award; and I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today. She’s a former analyst, worked as a substitute teacher and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. Leslie lives in Virginia, with her partner, Michael, two cats, and a dog. She loves to fish on the Rappahannock River, do crafts, read, and take long walks with her black lab Frankie. 
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Micki Bare
Children's Literature Website Micki Bare is a graduate of NC State University, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's of Arts. She is the author of the award-winning Zahra of the Uwharries middle-grade magical realism series, which includes Society of the Sentinelia (2022), winner of the 2022 AAUW NC Young People' s Literature Award; Blind Fairy (2023), winner of the 2023 AAUW NC Young People' s Literature Award; Omega Crag (2024), named a Golden Wizard Book Prize book for 2024; and Kimimila Returns (2025), named a Golden Wizard Book Prize book for 2025 and nominated for the 2025 AAUW NC Young People' s Literature award. The final book in the series, CRIMSON EAGLE, will be released in 2026. Bare was a columnist for 18 years. Her educational career includes service as an administrator, teacher, and marketing director. Bare lives in NC with her husband. She loves to garden, read, cook, travel , and hike. 
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Tasha Haight
Children's Literature Website Tasha Haight is a published children’s book author, professional mermaid, and passionate ocean advocate whose whimsical, conservation-themed stories inspire young readers to care for the planet. Featured on Netflix’s MerPeople, she has transformed her love of the sea into magical tales with real-world impact, blending imagination with environmental stewardship. In addition to her writing and performing, Tasha is an active member of the Association of Ghostwriters, the Maryland Writers Association, and the Eastern Shore Writers Association. She regularly visits schools, libraries, and festivals, where she encourages children and families to dream big, protect our oceans, and discover the magic of storytelling. 
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