Tanya Tagaq is an Inuk throat singer from Nunavut, on the south coast of Victoria Island. She is an improvisational singer, avant-garde composer and bestselling author. A member of the Order of Canada, Polaris Music Prize and Juno Award winner and recipient of multiple honorary doctorates, Tanya’s first book was a novel called Split Tooth, which won and was nominated for numerous awards. It Bears Repeating is her first book for children.

Gaitrie Persaud is a Tkaronto-Guyanese raised Deaf actor, activist and mother of three based in Toronto. An ASL coach and ASL music performer, she is also the founder of Phoenix the Fire, a theatre community hub for BIPOC Deaf artists, where she is building the support structure she finds lacking in Canada. Gaitrie is currently a news presenter on Sign 1 in Atlanta as well as a regular on Nickelodeon Jr. Blues Clues & You and CBC Gem’s Silly Paws. Gaitrie strives to balance two lives—one in Toronto with her family and the other in Atlanta, where a thriving Deaf community offers opportunity.

Dorothy Ellen Palmer is an award-winning disabled writer, accessibility advocate, retired English/Drama teacher and union activist. Her picture book, The Scooter Twins, (Groundwood Books) features two very different disabled twins choosing their first mobility scooters. She has also published over forty works of fiction and nonfiction in literary and disability journals, three novels including When Fenelon Falls (Coach House, 2010), and a memoir, Falling for Myself (Wolsak & Wynn, 2019). Winner of the 2022 Susan Crean Award for non-Fiction and the 2020 Helen Henderson Award for disability journalism, she lives in Burlington, Ontario, with her mobility scooter, Rosie.

Ashley Qilavaq-Savard is an Inuk poet, writer, artist, and filmmaker born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Her first book of poetry, Where the Sea Kuniks the Land (Inhabit Media) explores themes of decolonization, intergenerational trauma, language, and love for Inuit Nunangat.

Maidah is a pioneering author of children’s picture books highlighting Indian and Muslim contributions to the World Wars. Born and raised in London, UK, her passion for history and storytelling led her to uncover and share these forgotten stories. Maidah aims to ensure the sacrifices of others are never forgotten. An engaging speaker, she emphasizes the importance of individual stories and pride in unique identities. Inspired by her faith and family, her home is filled with cooking, conversation, and cups of chai around the kitchen island.

Arley Nopra is a Filipina-Canadian illustrator and the creator of the New York Times bestselling Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adaptation of Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin. She previously worked as the colorist for the second and third Dragon Prince graphic novels. When Arley isn't drawing, she's obsessing over TV shows, drinking lots of bubble tea, or reading novels in her favorite armchair. She lives in Toronto.

Noha Eilouti is a Palestinian illustrator based in Toronto. She is the illustrator of Reem Kassis’s We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition.

Shenaaz is an internationally published children’s author of fourteen books that include the critically acclaimed novel, Child of Dandelions, finalist for the Governor General.

Noha Eilouti is a Palestinian illustrator based in Toronto. She is the illustrator of Reem Kassis’s We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition.

Ardo Omer is a writer and an occasional book reviewer. She’s worked in the festival space for nearly a decade and contributed short comics to two anthologies: Wayward Kindred and Toronto Comics: Osgoode As Gold. Sagal, the Witch-in-Training is her recently published a short story with Augur Magazine. She's also the Kids Program Coordinator for the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD).

Residing in Brampton, Ontario, Chelsea Charles is a freelance illustrator with a BAA in Illustration from Sheridan College. She’s creates digital work, often with a traditional charm. She’s built a career from illustrating everything from sports stars and actors to political concepts. Beyond her work, she finds solace listening to music, sharing playful moments with her cat Charcoal and dog Stokley, all the while daydreaming of travelling to Japan.

Kevin Sylvester has written and illustrated more than thirty books for kids. His latest novel is Night of the Living Zed, written with his kid, Basil. It’s the sequel to The Fabulous Zed Watson! which was a finalist for numerous awards, including the TD and the Governor General’s. Kevin’s also the author and illustrator of Apartment 713. It was the 2024 winner of the Silver Birch, Red Cedar and SunDogs awards… all voted on by kids! He has a new graphic novel, Puffin and Penguin, with his pal Helaine Becker. His series, The Hockey Super-Six is highly illustrated and goofy fun. His other novels range from science fiction (The MINRs trilogy) to mystery novels (The Neil Flambé Capers), and other super-heroes (Mucus Mayhem).

Marty Chan writes books for kids. In his spare time, he plays with his two cats. He wrote Izzy Wong's Nose for News and contributed to the Today I Am anthology.

Guyanese-Canadian Natasha Deen is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Steals the Show (Crime Writers of Canada 2023 Award of Excellence Nominee), The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022), and Spooky Sleuths: Don’t Go Near the Water (A 2023 CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens). When she’s not writing, she teaches with the University of Toronto SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com

Kern Carter is an author, filmmaker, and educator celebrated for his captivating storytelling. With five books published, including Boys and Girls Screaming and And Then There Was Us, Kern has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. Beyond his writing, he champions emerging talent by creating online platforms that provide a supportive space for new writers to build confidence and connect in community. He is based in Toronto, Canada.

Adam de Souza is a Canadian cartoonist. He's known mostly for his award-winning comic strip Blind Alley and his coming-of-age graphic novel The Gulf.

Peg Fong is a journalist, educator and author. She wrote the book Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness based on her podcast of the same name.

Jen Ferguson (she/her) is Métis and white, an activist, a feminist, an auntie, and an accomplice armed with a PhD. She believes writing, teaching and beading are political acts. Her debut YA novel, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet won a Governor General's Literary Award. Jen's second YA novel Those Pink Mountain Nights has four starred reviews and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. A Constellation of Minor Bears, about three teens grappling with balancing resentment against enduring friendship—and how to move forward with a life that’s not what they’d imagined, will be published September 24th, 2024.

Cheryl is a white/Indigenous writer of the dark and creepy based in southern Ontario. She is also a teacher and can be found shuffling on forest trails. The Unfinished is her debut novel.

Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of Where Wolves Don't Die and Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask. His equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.

Ardo Omer is a writer and an occasional book reviewer. She’s worked in the festival space for nearly a decade and contributed short comics to two anthologies: Wayward Kindred and Toronto Comics: Osgoode As Gold. Sagal, the Witch-in-Training is her recently published a short story with Augur Magazine. She's also the Kids Program Coordinator for the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD).

Peg Fong is a journalist, educator and author. She wrote the book Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness based on her podcast of the same name.

M.T. Khan is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She focuses on stories that combine all three, dreaming of evocative worlds and dark possibilities. When she's not writing, M.T. Khan can be found travelling the world or cracking physics equations as she graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea.

Emily Varga is a YA Fantasy author and podcast cohost of On the Write Track with a fondness for getting lost in bookstores, and watching a lot of terrible reality tv. She has lived all over the world, but calls the Rocky Mountains of western Canada home, where she lives with her family and their menagerie of pets. When she’s not writing, Emily works as a family lawyer, where she learns more about storytelling than she ever expected.  Emily’s debut novel For She Is Wrath is a Pakistani-inspired Count of Monte Cristo retelling out with MacMillan.

Ameema Saeed is a a professional bookworm. She’s a book reviewer, a Sensitivity Reader, a book buyer at Indigo Books & Music, and the Books Editor for She Does the City. When she’s not reading books, she likes to talk about books (especially diverse books, and books by diverse authors) on her bookstagram: @ReadWithMeemz

Dorothy Ellen Palmer is an award-winning disabled writer, accessibility advocate, retired English/Drama teacher and union activist. Her picture book, The Scooter Twins, (Groundwood Books) features two very different disabled twins choosing their first mobility scooters. She has also published over forty works of fiction and nonfiction in literary and disability journals, three novels including When Fenelon Falls (Coach House, 2010), and a memoir, Falling for Myself (Wolsak & Wynn, 2019). Winner of the 2022 Susan Crean Award for non-Fiction and the 2020 Helen Henderson Award for disability journalism, she lives in Burlington, Ontario, with her mobility scooter, Rosie.

Paul Coccia, the Author of Glitterature, writes mainly for young readers. His books include Cub, The Player, I Got You Babe, Leon Levels Up, and On The Line co-authored with Eric Walters. Paul has a MFA in Creative Writing from UBC and lives in Toronto with his three dogs and a parrot. His debut young adult romcom, Recommended Reading, releases in 2025, and his first picture book in 2026.

Matthew Dawkins is a Jamaican award-winning author and poet. His work explores subject matters including adolescence, race, nationhood, and mental health. Until We Break is his debut novel.

Guyanese-Canadian Natasha Deen is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Steals the Show (Crime Writers of Canada 2023 Award of Excellence Nominee), The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022), and Spooky Sleuths: Don’t Go Near the Water (A 2023 CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens). When she’s not writing, she teaches with the University of Toronto SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com

Catherine Little is an educator, consultant, and writer with a love of children’s picture books. She especially enjoys reading her stories to families and has shared her work at schools, libraries, and special venues such as the Ontario Science Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum. Her latest title, Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill, was inspired by a visit Lucy Maud Montgomery made to her Toronto neighbourhood in 1921 and is an homage to the imagination, libraries, and librarians who welcome and inspire readers.

Sarabeth is a children's author based in Toronto, ON, and she's Anaana to two inspirational little boys. She and her husband, Sean, own Red Tape Brewery in the east end of Toronto. Sarabeth is Inuit from the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, she was born in Halifax and raised between New Brunswick and Nunavut.

Sahar Golshan is the author of So Loud! a picture book published in 2024 with Annick Press. So Loud! is illustrated by Shiva Delsooz. Sahar is a writer, a language learner, and the director of the short documentary KAR (2019). She is a winner of the Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing in Non-Fiction and the Air Canada Short Film Award. Her writing has appeared in Room, Taclanese, Shameless, The Ex-Puritan, and Tongues: On Longing and Belonging through Language. She enjoys teaching and facilitating workshops in academic and community spaces like the University of Toronto and the Toronto Public Library.

Mahak Jain writes books for young people and adults. She is the author of Maya (illust. by Elly MacKay), winner of the South Asia Book Award and a Kirkus Best Book of the Year; Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes (illust. by Anu Chouhan), a Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award nominee and a South Asia Book Award Honor Book; and The Only Astronaut (illust. by Andrea Stegmaier), a TD Summer Reading Club selection also available in Portuguese and German. Mahak’s debut short story collection, We Are Only Human, is forthcoming from McClelland & Stewart. She teaches creative writing at Sheridan College and lives in Mississauga.

Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller. She was born in Lahore, Pakistan and immigrated to Canada at the age of three. She grew up bullied in a small town and read books to survive. She has fifteen books published and more on the way. In 2013, her book Big Red Lollipop was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the 100 greatest children’s books in the last 100 years. She has appeared on television, radio and been featured at festivals around the world. She lives in Toronto with her husband and family.

Kevin Sylvester has written and illustrated more than thirty books for kids. His latest novel is Night of the Living Zed, written with his kid, Basil. It’s the sequel to The Fabulous Zed Watson! which was a finalist for numerous awards, including the TD and the Governor General’s. Kevin’s also the author and illustrator of Apartment 713. It was the 2024 winner of the Silver Birch, Red Cedar and SunDogs awards… all voted on by kids! He has a new graphic novel, Puffin and Penguin, with his pal Helaine Becker. His series, The Hockey Super-Six is highly illustrated and goofy fun. His other novels range from science fiction (The MINRs trilogy) to mystery novels (The Neil Flambé Capers), and other super-heroes (Mucus Mayhem).

Basil Sylvester is a non-binary writer and bookseller. Their first book, The Fabulous Zed Watson! co-written with Kevin Sylvester, was a finalist for the 2021 Governor General’s Literary Award, the 2021 Lambda Award, and the TD Children’s Book Award. Night of the Living Zed is their second novel.

Sarabeth is a children's author based in Toronto, ON, and she's Anaana to two inspirational little boys. She and her husband, Sean, own Red Tape Brewery in the east end of Toronto. Sarabeth is Inuit from the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, she was born in Halifax and raised between New Brunswick and Nunavut.

Flo Leung is a food-loving illustrator and author of The Tray of Togetherness and The Blue Bowl. She has also been a pastry cook, a food stylist and really wishes she had a green thumb. Flo believes that food has the power to tell us stories about who we are and hope to be. When she isn’t reading old cookbooks and listening to glam rock, Flo can probably be found enjoying butter noodles with her daughter and chef husband in their cozy Toronto home.