Helen Oxenbury’s books have received numerous awards (including the Kate Greenaway Medal, England’s equivalent to the Caldecott) and continue to resound with readers from babies to adults. Seemingly simple illustrations capture humor, drama, and more in an appealing and memorable way. You can also see our exclusive video interview with writer Mem Fox, Oxenbury’s partner on Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

Francisco X. Alarcón (1954–2016) was an award-winning poet who wrote for both children and adults. Born in Los Angeles, California, he considered himself “bi-national,” having spent time as a child in both Mexico and the United States. He expressed this in a poem: “I carry my roots with me all the time/Rolled up I use them as my pillow” Alarcón’s poetry was inspired by songs he heard from his grandmother, which he presented for readers in both English and in Spanish.

British author and illustrator Emily Gravett brings a fresh perspective to her children’s books. Orange Pear Apple Bear is a funny, charming, completely engaging picture book — and it uses all of five words to tell its story. Gravett has won two Kate Greenaway medals for her inventive approach to illustration, which mixes traditional drawing and watercolor with found object collage.

As a young girl Denise Fleming used to spend hours in her father’s workshop cutting, gluing, carving, and building things. Today she spends many hours in her own workshop, where she makes the paper that she uses to illustrate her picture books. Fleming’s unique papermaking technique is a labor-intensive process that involves hauling buckets of water, beating pulp, and hand mixing color dyes. Fleming then cuts her paper into bold, textured illustrations that she combines with catchy verse, playful plots, and timely page turns. Fleming’s books include In the Small, Small Pond, Lunch, The Cow Who Clucked, and Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp.

Chris Raschka is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children. Raschka has received two Caldecott Medals (The Hello, Goodbye Window and the wordless A Ball for Daisy) as well as a Caldecott Honor Award for Yo? Yes! His fresh, lively and sometimes abstract illustration style captures the deeply-felt experiences of young children, the expressiveness of poetry (A Poke in the I) and the playfulness of urban music (Hip Hop Dog, Charlie Parker Played Be Bop).

Carole Boston Weatherford is a children’s book author and poet who “mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles.” A number of Weatherford’s books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Weatherford’s books have received a wide variety of awards, including the 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award for Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre.

Award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier began creating art at the age of 15. Using his signature style, a vibrant mix of watercolor and collage, he brings stories to life. He’s already lent his talents to such books as Visiting Langston, Rosa, and his own book, Uptown. Collier is the winner of numerous Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards: Trombone Shorty (2016), Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me (2014), I, Too, Am America (2013), Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave (2011), Rosa (2006) and Uptown (2001). Reading Rockets sat down with the artist for an exclusive interview.

Alma Flor Ada is the award-winning author of more than 200 books for children. She is also a poet, storyteller, educator, mother, and grandmother. With a Ph.D. in literature and a lifelong love for stories, Ada has mastered the art of retelling traditional folktales and nursery rhymes from across Latin America. A native of Cuba who has also lived in Spain, Peru, and the United States, Alma Flor Ada writes poetry, picture books, and novels that offer rich, multicultural perspectives for all children.

Matt de la Peña is the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Medal winning author of multiple young adult novels and picture books, including Last Stop on Market Street, Milo Imagines the World, and Love. In this interview, Matt talks about the community where he grew up, his experiences as a struggling reader, and how he continues to reflect on his own identity and experiences through his books. To learn more about Matt and his books and to read his blog, visit Matt de la Peña’s official website.