Elizabeth MacLeod is a prolific author and contributor to Chalkboard Publishing, where she created several educational workbooks, including “Indigenous Peoples of Canada Grades 4–6“. She has written numerous nonfiction titles for young readers, including entries in the Canada Close Up series such as Canadian Government, Canada’s Trees, and Canadian Money. Elizabeth is also the author of the acclaimed Scholastic Canada Biography series, which has earned multiple awards for its engaging and accessible storytelling.

Demetra Turnbull founded Chalkboard Publishing, bringing more than 30 years of experience in Canadian education to her work. With over 18 years as a classroom teacher, she has developed numerous practical and engaging resources for educators, students, and parents. Her materials reflect a deep understanding of teaching and learning, offering valuable tools that support success in and out of the classroom. Demetra’s dedication to education is evident in every resource she creates, impacting learning across Canada.

Caroline Bennett is a former teacher and librarian with experience in the UK, Hawai’i, and Canada. She holds degrees in Education, English Literature, and Educational Foundations. Caroline writes picture books and short stories, and was longlisted for the CANSCAIP Writing for Children competition in 2020. She blends her commitment to education with a passion for storytelling, aiming to inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of reading. Caroline lives in Toronto with her three children. Book(s)

Yolanda T. Marshall is a Caribbean-born Canadian author. In 2015, after becoming a mom, Yolanda was inspired to write her first children’s book named Keman’s First Carnival. Yolanda is also the author of, A Piece of Black Cake for Santa, Sweet Sorrel Stand, and Miles Away In The Caribbean. A world traveller, a jazz lover and a devoted mother, she embodies art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. Yolanda lives in Toronto, Canada with her family. Book(s)

Gayle Gonsalves’ short stories have appeared in The Bluelight Corner, In the Black, The Black Notes, Tongues of the Ocean, and So the Nailhead Bend, So the Story Ends. Her first book, Painting Pictures and Other Stories, was published in 2013. Her debut novel, My Stories Have No Endings, received six Indie Awards. Gonsalves is a graduate of York University and lives in Toronto, where she continues to write. Book(s)

Saira Batasar-Johnie identifies as a brown, Indo-Caribbean Canadian. She is an author, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, and Registered Social Worker, passionate about sharing the history and practices of Indo-Caribbean people. Through her words, Saira aims to educate and inspire. Her book Dear Divya seeks to encourage young people on their journey of self-discovery. Book(s)

Ndija Anderson-Yantha is a second-generation Caribbean Canadian author, lawyer, speaker, and university administrator, passionate about EDI, literacy, and combating anti-Black racism. Her debut book, What Are You Gonna Do with that Hair?, celebrates Black hairstyles. A graduate of Spelman College (BA, political science, French) and McGill University (LLB, BCL), Ndija is also a former Thomas J. Watson Fellow. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area. Book(s)

Julianne Mundle is the author of Come with the Fire. She was featured in the Writers’ Collective of Canada’s 2022 anthology series Front Lines: Resilience—I open my Mouth to Speak. Born in Jamaica, Julianne now lives in Mississauga, Ontario. She holds a BA from McMaster University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College. She is currently an MBA student at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University. Book(s)

Latoya Belfon is an author and storyteller who brings meaningful ideas to life through engaging, impactful books. As the founder of Labworks Publishing, she supports writers in finding their voice and publishing with purpose. Her work blends creativity with thoughtful messaging, focusing on stories that resonate across audiences. With a passion for diverse perspectives and transformative narratives, Latoya writes to inspire reflection, build connection, and highlight the power of words. Book(s)

Jaimie Franchi is a writer, English instructor, and gardener. Her work for children has been supported by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, CBC/Radio-Canada, and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. Her writing for adults has appeared in filling Station, Poems for the Solstice, Kitchen Table Magazine, Farmerish, and Athens Free Press. She holds an MA in Literature from the University of Georgia. Book(s)

Abigail Grimes is a Canadian, multi-genre author based in rural Ontario and working in Toronto. She draws inspiration from the diverse environments around her. Abigail has been featured at the Salon of the Refused, BlackLit Durham, and the Northumberland Festival of the Arts. She is a member of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region. Book(s)

Deborah Ross-Attas is an award-winning educator and children’s writer based in Toronto. Inspired by her three sons’ childhood adventures, she weaves curiosity and humor into her stories. Deb coordinates and volunteers with Booster Reading, a literacy program, and enjoys time with her four grandchildren and three granddogs. When not teaching or writing, she takes art lessons, goes on long walks, and dances her heart out in Dancefit classes. Book(s)

Peter Tetteh Loveson is a Ghanaian poet and creative fiction writer. His work, influenced by his travels and life experiences, explores themes of connection, hope, grief, and the human condition. Known for his evocative language, Peter captures quiet moments and everyday wisdom. Outside of writing, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing music, capturing the world through photography, and supporting local cafes. Book(s)

Illustrator – Daria Lavrova is an artist and illustrator from St. Petersburg, Russia, who began drawing in early childhood and studied classical art for 10 years. Although she initially pursued a law degree and worked as a legal adviser, she continued studying art. Eventually, she joined the St. Petersburg Union of Artists. Influenced by cubism and constructivism, her style focuses on objects’ internal structure and dynamic composition. She later left her legal career to work in animation. Then, she transitioned to illustrating children’s books, completing over 30 titles published internationally. Her art now includes various media like pencils and pastels, especially for outdoor sketches. In 2015, she moved with her family to Tallinn and later to Amsterdam. Books

Illustrator – Golnoush Moini is an Iranian illustrator, 2D animator, background designer, and character designer based in Vancouver, Canada. She holds a master’s degree in Illustration and is an alumnus of the Vancouver Film School, where she studied Classical Animation. Golnoush has worked on various books, magazines, and commercial projects as a freelancer. She has a deep passion for storytelling and enjoys implementing new techniques in her illustrations and producing short animations, especially for children. Book(s)

Cover Illustrator – Anil N. Singh is an art director, designer, and illustrator based in Toronto. A firm believer in imagination and hard work, he dedicates his time to creative projects and design. Anil specialises in Art Direction, Graphic Design, Custom Lettering, Illustration, Brand Identity, Typography, and Package Design. Book(s)

Editor – Juleus Ghunta is a Chevening Scholar, poet, and literacy advocate. He has authored and edited several books, and his poems and essays have appeared in more than thirty journals. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Charles Causley Trust Poetry Prize and Poetry Archive Wordview Prize, his journey overcoming adversity has been featured by the BBC, CBC, NPR, and in Trauma Proof, a book by Benjamin Perks, Head of Campaigns and Advocacy at UNICEF HQ. Book(s)