Source Of Knowledge (Black-owned bookstore, Newark NJ)
Soul Xpressiion (non-profit organization designed to educate students in the fine and performing arts, stage management, stage production management and to utilize their gifts to inspire others)
Puras Paletas (selling handcrafted, fresh fruit ice pops!)
West Orange Public Library (our children's librarian will be on site registering people for library cards and more! Bring something with your address to sign up!!)
Dr Samara Grossman
Dr. Arielle Dance
Melissa Brady Petrillo
Asher Yarmush
Ralph Pacifico
Ran Wei
Jennifer Jones
Dr. Gloria Bozor
Kamil Lannaman
Young Nobleman
Shauna Cagan
Lenny Hort
Taylor Tracy
Joshua S. Levy
Nadine Haruni
Heather Prinzo
Niesha Brent
Veronica N. Chapman
Stephen Chiger
Makayla Rivera
Flora Ekpe-Idang
Michelle Telfor-Sessoms
Sabrina Crumpton
Nicole Melleby
Maria K Villava
Teryn Roberts
X: @stevechiger
Threads: @stevechiger
Stephen Chiger loves teaching – whether it’s students or adults. An award-winning educator and sought-after presenter, Steve helps lead the literacy program at Uncommon Schools and is the co-author of Love and Literacy, a book on teaching English. As a former journalist who remains obsessed with media, he co-wrote Gram and Gran with his son in mind.
Princess Davinia Duck: featuring Princess Hypalotta Hippo
Instagram: @princesshypalottahippo
Dr Samara Grossman currently teaches Library, Music, and directs theatrical productions at the Golda Och Academy Lower School, and spends her summers at Camp Deeny Riback. For the 21 years prior, Samara was the Producing Artistic Director of the Theater Production Companies, as well as the Director of Triple Threat Theater Camp at JCC MetroWest. She is also a freelance director/choreographer throughout the NYC area, a teaching artist, and has written two children's books: Princess Hypalotta Hippo and Princess Davina Duck. In her free time (HA), Samara loves to travel, Broadway musicals and concerts, and culinary adventures.
Instagram: @readingwithruba
Ruba Qasem is a Muslim author who self-published her children’s book “The Coolest Career”, inspired by her two children. She also co-founded Kunooz Library, a non-profit organization focused on Arabic and Islamic books for families in Northern Jersey. With a background in Education and Counseling, Ruba emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in her writing and with her children.
"I Love Who I Am" Is a children's ABCs and tracing coloring book to teach and show representation to our little ones. It promotes self care, self love and self worth. Each coloring book come with a set of skin tone crayons so children can color themselves or friend/ family as they see them!
https://www.drarielledance.com/
Instagram: @DrDanceWrites
Arielle Dance is an award winning author who identifies as a Black, queer woman with disabilities. A Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine, Arielle is published on multiple online platforms and has an award winning children’s book, “Dearest One,” that focuses on mindfulness and grief.
Instagram: @melissabradypetrillo
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/melissabradypetrillo
Melissa Brady Petrillo is an educator in New Jersey with a passion for promoting empathy and inclusivity in her classroom. In college, when Melissa completed a research project about how children’s ability levels are portrayed in literature, she implemented her research to write a book from a child’s perspective. Her goal is to help students and families understand that everyone encompasses a unique mindset that must be valued in our world today.
https://www.youtube.com/@OrigamiOriginal22
Asher Yarmush is a 5th grader who wrote this book during the Pandemic Summer of 2020, before going into second grade. Asher also has a YouTube channel where he creates origami tutorials. This is his first book.
Aaron Daniel Henry Davis: Just Another Day at School
Ralph is a longtime Primary School physical education instructor and Varsity Head Baseball Coach. Most importantly, he's St. Cloud teacher Emma Pacifico's Dad! This is a book that we wrote about ADHD. The story is about a younger version of Ralph Pacifico coping with the struggles of ADHD.
Jennifer Jones: My Story of Becoming the First African American Radio City Rockette
Facebook: @Rockette Jenn
Instagram: @Rockette_Jenn
X: @Rockette Jenn
Threads: @Rockette Jenn
Jennifer Jones, a Tony award-winning dancer and activist, made history as the first African American Rockette. Since 1987, she has been a prominent advocate for equal rights in the arts, with recognition from prestigious institutions like the Harlem School of the Arts, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. A colon cancer survivor, Jennifer resides in New Jersey with her husband Jeffrey and is set to release her debut memoir, "Becoming Spectacular," with Harper Collins in 2024.
Instagram @Dr.Gloria.B @fafa_and_gloglo_series @Bozorbrilliancecfc
“My story is someone else survivor's kit!" Gloria Bozor is a New Jersey-based case manager, sociologist, child advocate, women activist, mother, and founder of Bozor Brilliance Community Foundation (BBCF) 501c3 organization. Drawing on over a decade of training, working, and experience, she writes educational children’s books and creates learning materials that bring awareness, educate, and help to prevent childhood trauma. Her first book in the series FaFa and GloGlo titled ABC’s of Child Sexual Abuse is an educational book for families and caregivers of children. Dr Gloria believes that that every child should be able to live a full and healthy childhood and life because improving mental health & preventing ACEs is something that can be done!
My motto : “Helping kids lead happy lives!”
The Mystery of the Missing Gifts
Instagram @adventures.of.futureleaders
Kamil Lannaman is a creative and adventurous 2nd grader from New Jersey. He loves sharks, science experiments, traveling, and playing in the pool. He loves to read Dogman comics. During a Kwanzaa celebration Kamil mentioned his goal to write a book and the rest is history. Kamil published his first book, The Mystery of the Missing Gifts, with his mother to discuss positive leadership traits for kids.
My name is Mrs. Karen Green. My husband, Byron Green, and I write children's books based on inventions from around the world. Our characters, young inventors, embark on problem-solving journeys, and at the end of the story, they create well-known inventions that we all use today. We are promoting the themes of diversity and STEM-based learning.
Addie and the Amazing Acrobats!
Instagram: @shauna_cagan
I'm an artist, designer and teacher. I live in Maplewood and in addition to drawing, I love hiking in the Reservation, hanging out with my two boys, and playing Pickleball.
Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop, The Jake Show, Seventh Grade vs. The Galaxy
Instagram: @JoshuaSLevy
X: @JoshuaSLevy
Joshua S. Levy is the author of several middle grade novels published with Lerner: Seventh Grade vs. The Galaxy, and its sequels (Eighth Grade vs. The Machines and Last Summer In Outer Space), as well as The Jake Show, released in May 2023 (from HarperCollins). He is also co-editor of the middle grade short story anthology, On All Other Nights (Abrams), which released in March 2024. Up next: Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop (HarperCollins), which will be out on May 14, 2024!
The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee and Freeda the Frog Series
Facebook/ Instagram: @nadineharunibooks
Nadine Haruni is the award-winning author of The Hat Diaries™ fantasy adventure series and the Freeda the Frog™ children’s book series.
The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee is the first book in The Hat Diaries™ trilogy. The Hat Diaries™ collection is written for teens and adults, expanding readers’ imaginations as they enter Ryan’s secret world. Stay tuned for information on the release date for the second book in the series, The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal.
The Freeda the Frog™ books focus on acceptance for every type of family and comfort children as they experience real-life situations.
Nadine frequently does author events, radio & TV interviews, and podcasts. She is also a practicing attorney, certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children. More information, including release dates for the rest of the trilogy, can be found on www.nadineharuni.com, and you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Instagram @lookin_within_
Take a closer look at what really matters! Come join Dingo the Dog Detective’s journey to show children how to look at what’s on the inside of the person rather than what’s on the outside. Dingo’s magical magnifying glass views different characters, emphasizing children with disabilities. This easy-to-read story delivers a heartwarming message that will motivate people of all ages to look within.
King Khalid is PROUD, I Know I Can!
Veronica N. Chapman is an entrepreneur and author, having written and produced a motivational play for teens, Ancestors Inc., and published two children's books, I Know I Can! and King Khalid is Proud. Veronica writes with the express purpose of making children believe in themselves.
A graduate of Spelman College (B.A. in Spanish) and Babson College (M.B.A.), Veronica commits her gifts and ideas to improving the world. To fulfill her commitment, she founded Boxxout Enterprises where she designs creative solutions for social change like Black Children's Book Week and others.
Instagram/Facebooks: @coragedolls
Flora Ekpe-Idang is the founder and CEO behind Corage Dolls who is igniting a cultural renaissance with cards, books, and toys that are as diverse and expressive as the girls she inspires. Born from the desire to affirm authentic Black beauty and support girls' wellbeing, Corage Dolls stands as a testament to the strength of inclusivity. Flora's mission is crystal clear: empower every girl of color to stand tall, dream big, and be absolutely unstoppable.
Facebook: Michelle Sessoms
Instagram: @ Michelle_Telfor_Sessoms
Michelle Telfor-Sessoms wrote the book “Grandma Pauline is a Queen!” to honor her Grandmother. Michelle is a first time Author who was previously an Elementary School Teacher.
I Can Potty Train With Princess Cali Reign
Mother of 4, grandmother of 3, fueled by faith, family, and the marvel of existence. Embracing the power to shape my own journey and inspire others along the way.
The House on Sunrise Lagoon Series: Sam Makes A Splash, Marina in the Middle, Halfway to Harbor
www.nicolemelleby.com
Instagram: @nicolemelleby
Nicole Melleby, a Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season and ALA Notable Children's book How to Become a Planet. She currently teaches at the Fairleigh Dickinson MFA Creative Writing program and lives with her wife and their cats, whose needs for attention oddly align with Nicole’s writing schedule.
Mommy, Your Kisses Make Me A Winner
Instagram: @maria.villava
This inspiring children's book is a beautiful story that will captivate the hearts of young children and families worldwide. This story is about a young boy who prepares for his big baseball game and with his mother's unconditional love he is confident to conquer his goal.
I Deserve Better!, Merezco Algo Mejor! (Spanish), Color Repeat Believe
www.pennedbyteryn.com
Instagram/Tiktok @penned_by_teryn
If you were to ask Teryn Roberts what drives her to write, she'd say without hesitation, "I want to help heal little broken hearts". Roberts didn't grow up aspiring to be an author, but life presented her with a story she knew others could relate to. So in an effort to help children navigate through the confusing emotions that come with dealing with an absent/inconsistent parent, she shares her experience with the hopes that it helps those who can relate, and also encourages people to tell their own stories.
123 NYC with Boba Bear, Boba Bear’s Outdoor Adventures, Boba Bear’s Lunar New Year
Instagram: @bobabearbilingual
Ran Wei Baker is a local mom and bilingual book author based in Maplewood. She started Boba Bear Bilingual when she had her first daughter and saw a need for more children’s books that celebrate diverse languages and cultures. Her books are in many ways her love letter to her daughters, and she hopes that kids like her girls will be able to see Boba Bear Bilingual on shelves and celebrate their multicultural and bilingual upbringings!
Akil Learns of His Hidden History
www.designinmotion.org
Facebook Michael Roach
Michael Roach studied at Pratt University. He is an artist, author, and graphic designer with more than 30 years of experience in graphics and large-format print production. He also produces newsletters for the West Orange African Heritage Organization.
How Many Stars in the Sky? and The Seals on the Bus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lenny-Hort/100084696910821
I have written twelve published children’s books including PBS Reading Rainbow selection, "How Many Stars In the Sky?" and "The Seals on The Bus?", a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Until my recent retirement, I taught English, ran the Drama Club, and developed the Creative Writing curriculum at Bergenfield High School. I have visited dozens of schools, libraries, and bookstores, sharing my books and leading kids in writing workshops.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/taylortracywrites
Taylor Tracy writes books filled with humor and heart that explore the joys and hopes of queer kids, focusing on mental health, found family, and the importance of a sense of community. She lives in New Jersey with her family, including a fluffle of mischievous rescue bunnies, and loves everything her home state has to offer: the best bagels, pizza, and beaches. When not writing, she can be found down the shore, in the rock gym or next to her growing pile of books to read and love.
https://www.soulxpressiion.org/
SoulXpressiion is a non-profit organization designed to educate students in the fine and performing arts, stage management, stage production management and to utilize their gifts to inspire others.
https://sourceofknowledgebookstore.com/
Gourmet ice pops & Sweet Treats:
All Natural and Always Fresh
Join our children's librarians to sign up for a library card!
New Library = New Advantages, Opportunities, and Choices for West Orange Residents