Diana Murray is the author of over twenty-five children’s books, including Unicorn Night (an Amazon Best Book of the Year from the nationally bestselling Unicorn Day series), Jr. Library Guild Selections like Goodnight, Veggies, and new releases such as Sleep, Little Dozer and Sleepy Snuggles. Her poems have appeared in anthologies and magazines such as Highlights and The School Magazine of Australia. Diana grew up in New York City and still lives nearby with her husband, two daughters, and a dancing dog.  http://www.dianamurray.com 

http://www.dianamurray.com 

Diana is donating a critique of a picture book or early reader 500 words or less. --CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Sylvia Chen has also lived and worked in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Paris, and Tokyo. She is an Asian American children’s book author and recently celebrated her debut picture book TRICKY CHOPSTICKS (illustrated by Fanny Liem and published by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster). She is the creator of #PBStudyBuddy, which features amazing picture books on social media for fellow creators, teachers, and librarians. Sylvia loves crafting picture books that spark kids’ interest in STEAM and creative thinking. To connect with Sylvia, visit her at sylviaichen.com or follow her @SylviaiChen. 

 https://www.sylviaichen.com/ 

Sylvia is donating a winner's choice of either a 45-min AMA -OR- a Ranking of 3PBs (non-rhyming and <1000 words each) with notes. --CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library and let us know by tagging us and the donor on Twitter.

Heather Bell (she/they) whole-heartedly believes that hidden within our everyday lives is a secret realm glimpsed through books, music, and children’s laughter. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Heather loves to portray diverse characters and gets especially excited for any story that reveals the world from a new or different perspective. Holding a BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute, they are a member of SCBWI, a Children’s Book Academy graduate, and a mommy.

When not illustrating and writing, they are likely found in the kitchen, experimenting with culinary creations alongside their kiddo, deftly sidestepping collisions with their two colossal feline furballs.

Heather Bell is an author/illustrator represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez.

https://heatherbellbooks.com/ 

Heather is donating a winner's choice of a copy of Simply Skye (US shipping only) OR a manuscript or dummy critique (fiction, up to 500 words)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Maria Antonia's debut picture book, The Christmas Elephant, is set for release in October 2024. She has previously been published in children’s magazines such as Spider, Storytime, and Clubhouse Jr. She enjoys combining heart and humor in her manuscripts. In addition to writing, she likes to capture the world with her camera.  

http://mariaantoniawrites.com/ 

Maria is donating a PB critique. Fiction, under 1000 words, no rhyming, please--CLAIMED. 

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Kim A. Larson’s debut picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float, will be released Oct 1, 2024 (The Little Press). Her second book, Doll Trouble, will be released in 2025 (Clavis). She won the Ann Whitford Paul Award in 2021 and was a #PBParty finalist in 2022 and 2023. She also wrote the devotional-style Bible study Unraveling Fairy Tales: Learning to Live Happily Ever After (In The Vine Press, 2020). https://kimalarson.com/ 

Kim is donating a winner's choice non-rhyming fiction picture book critique (less than 800 words) OR 20 minute AMA Zoom call--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Teresa Ho Robeson is an Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Picture Book Award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books on science and her own culture, as exemplified by her debut QUEEN OF PHYSICS: HOW WU CHIEN SHIUNG HELPED UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE ATOM to the upcoming CLOUDS IN SPACE: NEBULAE, STARDUST, AND US (Aug 2024; MIT Kids/Candlewick), WHO SMASHED HOLLYWOOD BARRIERS WITH GUNG FU? BRUCE LEE (2025, Penguin Workshop), and DISGUSTOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF GROSS (2025, Odd Dot/Macmillan). https://www.teresarobeson.com/ 

Teresa is donating a critique of either a query letter or a picture book manuscript (fiction or nonfiction) up to 700 words. If it's a nonfiction PB that's over 700 words, please add a quick pitch, synopsis, or explanation of under 100 words about the rest of the manuscript to the beginning.--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

DK Ryland is a picture book author/illustrator. Before she started writing and illustrating, she filmed wildlife in Africa, was a collegiate All-American and professional athlete, and was a teacher and coach. DK received a PBChat mentorship with Cori Doerrfeld in 2019 and was a PBParty finalist in 2020. Her debut picture book, GIRAFFE IS TOO TALL FOR THIS BOOK, released October 17, 2023 (Page Street Kids). Upcoming releases include: HAVE YOU SEEN MY ACORN? (Flamingo Books, Fall 2024), GIRAFFE’S BOOK IS MISSING A STORY (Page Street Kids, Winter 2025), and THE DANGEROUS ALPHABET BOOK (Astra Young Readers, FALL 2025). DK lives in San Diego with her super awesome husband, 2 brilliant kids, and many many pets. 

 http://www.dkryland.com 

DK is donating a signed copy of GIRAFFE IS TOO TALL FOR THIS BOOK - shipped only to the US--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Sarah Meade’s poetry and stories have been published in Hop to It: Poems to Get You Moving (Pomelo, 2020), Babybug, Ladybug, Highlights Hello, High Five, Phoenix English, The Toy, Little Thoughts Press, The Dirigible Balloon, Poetry as Promised, and more. She’s a PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, co-host of #KidLitZombieWeek, Madness! Poetry authlete, Little Free Library steward, Girl Scout leader, mom of two, and constant reader. 

https://sarahmeadewrites.wordpress.com/ 

Sarah is donating a First Read-Through Submission Package: Recordings of up to five picture book manuscripts, fiction or nonfiction, up to 1,000 words each--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and now lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with her family. Kelsey aims to write books that inspire readers to take care of one another and the natural world. She is the author of Winter: A Solstice Story and Summer: A Solstice Story, both illustrated by Renata Liwska and published by Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelsey hiking or skiing in the woods, or singing and playing the ukulele. 

http://kelseyegross.com 

Kelsey is donating a winner's choice of a signed copy of SUMMER: A SOLSTICE STORY (U.S. only) or a PB critique, up to 700 words--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

I was an elementary school library teacher and children's book author. Now I write from the shores of a pond outside of Boston, Massachusetts (and sometimes from on the pond itself, where I kayak almost every day in summer) where I live with my husband, daughter, rabbit, too many fish, and Walker Foxhound, Tucker, who has his own blog. 

http://www.lisarogerswrites.com/ 

Lisa is donating a copy of 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow" (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Lynn has been a reader and creator all her life. These days, when she’s not writing picture books or children’s book reviews, she’s hiking, doing yoga, and dreaming up even more picture books. After growing up in New York, Lynn spent many years in the Southern California desert with her husband, children, cats, dog, and lots and lots of chickens. She now lives in Colorado. The chickens stayed behind, but a few mythical beasties may have followed her to her new home…! Her debut picture book, MONSTERS IN THE BRINY, illustrated by Scott Brundage (Sleeping Bear Press), has been named a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of 2022. JUNE MOON, illustrated by Nate Carvalho (Familius), comes out in May of 2024. 

https://lynnbeckerbooks.com/ 

Lynn is donating a copy of June Moon (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Suzy Levinson is a children’s author and poet whose work has been featured in numerous anthologies and magazines. ANIMALS IN PANTS (Cameron Kids/Abrams) is her debut picture book–length poetry collection. Her next, DINOS THAT DRIVE (Tundra Books), will hit shelves in 2025. She lives in New York.  

https://suzylevinson.com/ 

Suzy is donating a signed copy of ANIMALS IN PANTS (Cameron Kids/Abrams), written by Suzy Levinson, illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell (US only, please!) --CLAIMED 

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Laura Roettiger is a reading specialist from Chicago, IL who weaves her passion for STEM learning into stories for children. Her roots in Chicago remain deep but now her home and heart are firmly settled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her Goldendoodle Charlie.

Since moving to Colorado, Laura focused on writing for children, working in environmental education, and mentoring new teachers at a STEM school. Her teaching superpower of encouraging curiosity in children has transferred to her books. Her debut ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON (Eifrig Publishing, 2019; German edition, 2022) shares the story of a girl who combines observation, research, and experimental play to create a beautiful surprise for her brother. Her book upcoming book, AN ACCIDENTAL HERO, A MOSTLY TRUE WOMBAT STORY (Eifrig Publishing, 2024) allows readers to understand the devastation of fire while experiencing hope when a stranger offers shelter and kindness.   

https://lauraroettigerbooks.com/ 

Laura is donating a winner's choice 30-minute AMA or a copy of Aliana Reaches for the Moon (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

A.J. Irving grew up in Boise, Idaho, writing stories and daydreaming about becoming an author. Now, she writes picture books and poetry beneath an old elm tree in Salt Lake City. A.J. is the critically acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, The Wishing Flower, and The Bi Book (Knopf BFYR, summer 2025).

As a children’s author and former bookmobile librarian, A.J. is passionate about inspiring kids to love books. When she’s not reading, writing, or dancing, she enjoys exploring Utah with her husband, two children, and their English bulldogs. A.J. is represented by Jordan Hamessley of JABberwocky Literary Agency.   

https://ajirving.com/ 

A.J. is donating 3 books: signed copies of DANCE LIKE A LEAF, BAILA COMO UNA HOJA, and THE WISHING FLOWER (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

I enjoyed reading while young and throughout my youth. Even though I always excelled in math, I have always loved literature. After my twin daughters were born, I read to them every day. Reading stories inspired me to try to write a story myself. 

https://www.songjumadaemicke.com/ 

Songju is donating a copy of Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED 

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Candace Spizzirri grew up in a small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and old Victorian houses. As a child, she spent hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby stream, and exploring the woods at the end of her street. Passionate about education, Candace is a co-founder of an elementary and high school in southern California. She now splits her time between SoCal and Pennsylvania. Candace loves spending time with her husband, grown children, daughter-in-law, and five grandkids. Candace's debut picture book, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE, illustrated by Beverly Love Warren published by Clear Fork Publishing/Spork on April 19, 2022. Her second book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, illustrated by the multi-award-winning team of Chantelle & Burgen Thorne is set to release on April 18, 2023, with Gnome Road Publishing. Learn more about Candace at candacespizzirri.com and follow her on Twitter at @CCSpizzirri1, on Instagram at @CCSpizzirri, and on Facebook at @CandaceSpizzirri   

https://candacespizzirri.com/ 

Candace is donating 2 books: a signed copy of FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE and FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

I am an author, editor, and mom living in Baltimore, Maryland. My published and forthcoming picture books include “Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby,” “Call Your Mother,” “Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat,”  and “Hide and Seek, Nuts to Eat.” These fun books about families and nature are published by Familius and Sourcebooks, respectively.

I love empowering people by helping them become better writers. I do that in my work as an editor and teacher. These days, I mostly work as a freelance editor doing developmental (big picture) edits for fiction writers and memoirists. I also teach continuing education classes that are open to anyone via the Johns Hopkins Odyssey program.   

https://tracycgold.com/  

Tracy is donating access to my class on rhyme, How to Write Rhyming Picture Books--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Hi, I’m Gina!

One thing you should know about me…I’m always writing.

I’ve created thousands of pieces of digital content since 2015.

In 2019, I began creating content for others as a professional ghostwriter.

700+ satisfied clients and counting, here I am today! 

https://ginasoldano.com/ 

Gina is donating a 30-minute AMA (my expertise is marketing/podcasting)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

I'm a mom of three, grandma of three, wife, music teacher, drama teacher, art teacher, math, English, science and history for K-12. I also taught as an Adjunct Professor in a Psychology Masters Program.  

https://www.acrawfordclark.com/ 

Anita is donating a signed copy of Old to Joy (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

I love words and am fortunate enough to work and play with them every day. As a former middle school language arts teacher in a small rural Iowa district, I taught 6th and 7th grade students for over nineteen years. To share my love of words with these 'tweens was a privilege even though, ​shhh..., I was known to count down the days until summer break!  

http://www.norenepaulson.com/  

Norene is donating a non-rhyming fiction PB critique, 500 words or less--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Jill Dana is an author, illustrator, award-winning filmmaker, and certified elementary educator. She has Master’s degrees in Television and Film Production and Elementary Education plus TESOL.  She is the author of the Butternut series, about a little butternut squash and his supermarket world, with themes of identity, friendship, #WhereFoodComesFrom and more.  

Jill is a Rate Your Story judge, an active SCBWI, Author’s Guild, @PBSunrays, and @PictureBookGold member.  Visit @JillDanaBooks on social media.  And don't forget to check out #FunFoodFactsFriday. 

https://jilldanabooks.com/ 

Jill is donating a signed copy of BUTTERNUT & BUTTERCUP (U.S. shipping only) or a non-rhyming picture book critique (1,000 words or less)--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Kaitlyn Sanchez is a mom, wife, agent with Bradford Literary Agency, and middle school math teacher. She's also the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. In her free time, she loves to play soccer, binge-watch TV shows, and, of course, read. Especially when she's all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together.

https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/ 

Kaitlyn is donating a fiction picture book manuscript or dummy critique 1000 words or less--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their clients books and/or request their books from your local library!

Hillary Fazzari joined Bradford Literary Agency as the agency’s assistant in 2022 before moving into agenting. Prior to that, she served as a long-term editor and reader for another boutique agency, interned at Writers House, and worked for Scholastic. She loves high concept, high stakes stories with deep character development and gorgeous, commercial prose. And she acquires primarily MG and YA in all genres and select New Adult and Adult material, mostly within Romance genres/subgenres. 

https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/hillary-fazzari 

Hillary is donating one (1) first-ten-pages-of-a-manuscript critique for a MG or YA project (fiction only!).  This may be a zombie project you've shelved but hope to resurrect or a current project!--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Randi Sonenshine's debut picture book, THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and appeared on notable lists including the 2021 Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the year and the Chicago Public Library’s 2020 Best Informational Books for Younger Readers. She is also the author of two companion books, THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT (September 2022), and THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT (Summer 2024). 

Randi is donating a signed copy of The Lodge That Beaver Built (U.S. shipping only)--CLAIMED 

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

A former full professor at Miami Dade College, Marta taught Creative Writing, English Composition, Survey of Children’s Literature, and Issues in Literature and Culture. She advised the college’s award-winning literary magazine and received three Endowed Teaching Chairs in the Humanities while at the college, among various other state and national awards.

Marta has published several picture books for young children, some for the educational market, and magazine and newspaper articles for adults. She now leads a Miami, Florida SCBWI critique group and is a member of many other children’s writing groups.

Marta is donating a nonfiction PB critique, 1000 words or less--CLAIMED

To thank our prize donors, please make sure to write reviews of their books and/or request their books from your local library!

Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market 33rd Edition: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market) Paperback – January 11, 2022 by Amy Jones (Editor)—shipping to the U.S. only--CLAIMED