Donna Sandstrom became interested in orcas when she moved to Seattle and started dreaming about them. In 2002, she was a community organizer in the effort to return Springer, an orphaned orca, to her pod. The life-changing experience inspired her to start The Whale Trail, a series of sites where people can watch whales from shore. She lives in Seattle, Washington.
Bree Galbraith
Bree likes writing stories that inspire kids and adults to think critically about the world around them, and the ways in which we can challenge the systems in place and create change. Her books include the Wednesday Wilson series, Usha and the Stolen Sun, Milo and Georgie, Once Upon a Balloon and Nye, Sand and Stones.#Bree likes to use her books as a way to amplify the voices of her children and those close to her. She gets her inspiration from her two boys, and their constant quest to discover WHY things are the way they are. Her goal is to write stories that inspire conversations in the classroom and at home and that empower young people to think outside of the box.|Bree holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, and a master’s degree in communication design from Emily Carr University. She lives in the heart of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family.
Jane Whittingham
Jane Whittingham is a children’s librarian and the author of several picture books. While she waits for spring to come, she entertains herself with tea and books. She lives with her family in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Karlin Gray
Karlin Gray is the author of several books for children, including Serena: The Littlest Sister, a picture book biography of Serena Williams. She holds a BA in creative writing from Florida State University. Karlin lives with her family in Westport, Connecticut.
Alison Hughes
Alison Hughes is the author of eighteen books for children and young adults, including the YA novel Hit the Ground Running, which was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Awards and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her books have also been nominated nine times for provincial children’s choice awards, among other honors. She enjoys giving writing workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, conferences and festivals. She also works as a writing advisor and editor for the University of Alberta.