Author

Carly Mottinger is a best-selling author with a background in both writing and film. Born and raised in Northern California, Carly honed her craft at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and earned her MFA. After graduating, she worked as a staff writer for Nickelodeon and sold her first children's book (Lights, Camera, Lexi!) to Disney Junior. Since then, Carly has become known for her imaginative and captivating storytelling. She has several acclaimed releases under her belt, such as Go to Bed Fred, How to Make a Monster Disappear, The Gigi series, MAD, Great and Peek the Puppy. Carly's unique voice and fresh perspective have made her a rising star in children's literature. She currently resides in the Bay Area with her husband and four daughters.

Illustrator

Kyria McKie is a mother to two lovely boys! Originally from France, she now lives in West Sussex, UK with her husband James. Kyria is an experienced web/print designer and branding artist. She was always drawn to illustrating and digital art. Don’t Peek! marks her debut work as a children’s book illustrator!   

Illustrator

Tanya Matiikiv is a children’s book illustrator from Ukraine. She is a mother of two wonderful children who inspire her illustrations. Since childhood, she has been fascinated by art and painting. After graduating from Zaporizhzhya Music College and Zaporizhzhya National University, she continued her studies in the studio of the outstanding Ukrainian artist Anton Sheretov. She has worked as a children’s book illustrator since 2015 and feels fortunate to have such an inspiring job.

Illustrator

Yulia Degtyareva illustrates from her home in West Sussex, where she is often interrupted and entertained by her husband, two children, and a dog called Teddy (George the tortoise knows better than to interrupt). The household has accumulated a vast number of children’s books and an even greater number of toys that often make cameo appearances in her work. After a successful career in science, Yulia found herself pulled into the privileged position of bringing life to stories and smiles to children. 

Illustrator

Rania M Tulba is the celebrated illustrator of children’s books including Serena the Sailboat and Koko’s Adventure! Rania has honed her craft as a freelance illustrator with many diverse styles and techniques. Her understanding of illustration, de sign, and ability to sculpt the meaning of a story with images she creates, brings stories to life! Rania lives in Egypt with her husband and two children.

Illustrator

Dan Seaton Brown is a nationally awarded illustrator and designer hailing from the lakeside community of Minnetonka, MN. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and completed an Independent Study in Oil Painting. He has created artwork for several children’s books which have been honored with various awards including a nomination for the prestigious Caldecott. His artwork is part of an international collection and has been covered in radio, T.V., and print across the world.

Illustrator

Sanoji Rathnasekara is a research student at University of Moratuwa.  Illustrating for children's books is one of her passions. She loves drawing figures and landscapes with her unique watercolor style. She starts her day with a watercolor illustration and a cup of coffee by her side. She is currently living in Gampaha, a beautiful town in tropical Sri Lanka.

Editor

Krista Zimonick is a children’s book copy editor who holds an MA and a BA in English Literature and a Certificate in Editing. She lives with her family in southern Wisconsin. When she’s not working, Krista can often be found reading kidlit with her two young daughters.

Editor

Emma Lawson is a children’s book editor from Cincinnati, Ohio. She holds a B.A. in elementary education and an M.Ed. in literacy. She is passionate about picture books, animals, and art.