Loretta Garbutt was raised in a musical family in Toronto, Ontario. Her mother was a singer and piano teacher, her brothers all budding young musicians, so it was no wonder Loretta found the theater. She then spent over 30 years performing in television commercials.#While working for a recording studio, Loretta discovered voice acting and loved it instantly. She went on to voice many commercials, CBC radio dramas and animated cartoons such as Madeline, Babar, Maxie’s World, Julius Jr. and the ongoing show Max and Ruby. She especially enjoyed the villains and demons she voiced for the popular Sailor Moon series.#Loretta developed her keen understanding of the world of children’s books while working as a storyteller, bookseller and reviewer at Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore in Toronto. Here she developed a passion for literacy and the thrill of putting books into the hands of tomorrow’s~big readers.#Meanwhile, with all those animation and story characters in her head, plus a riveted audience (her two children and husband), Loretta began writing stories and squirrelling them away for future young readers to enjoy.
Debbie Zapata
Debbie Zapata is a children’s book author who believes that kids need characters who look like them and who overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world. She also works as a therapist helping families who have children with special needs. She also partners with school districts on diversity and inclusion. Debbie and her family live in Austin, Texas. Up and Adam is her debut picture book.
Fran Pintadera
Fran Pintadera is a storyteller, theater director and an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for children. He lives in Spain.
Gijs van der Hammen
Author Gijs van der Hammen writes stories and poems for children and also develops websites. Little Wise Wolf is his first book published in English. He lives in the Netherlands.
Floor Bal
Floor Bal is an award-winning science journalist. She is based in the Netherlands.