Lynne Rae Perkins writes and illustrates picture books for young children (Snow Music) as well as novels for middle and high school kids. Her stories explore family, friendships, and the many small but meaningful moments that shape childhood and adolescence. Her YA novel Criss Cross, winner of the 2006 Newbery Medal, is a book of vignettes, illustrations, photographs, and poems about a group of four small-town teenagers. Perkins also draws inspiration from the sights and sounds of the natural world.

Dr. Louisa Moats is a nationally recognized authority on how children learn to read and why some struggle to learn. Widely acclaimed as a researcher, speaker, consultant, and trainer, Moats has developed the landmark professional development program LETRS for teachers and reading specialists.

Meet J. Patrick Lewis, the author of more than 80 books of poetry for children, on every topic under the sun — from celebrations of Civil Rights heroes (and she-roes) to riddle-filled math puzzlers to poems about amazing animals and iconic buildings from around the world. For decades, Lewis has been sharing his delight for poetry with school kids — and hoping to inspire new lovers of language. He served as our third Children’s Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2013.

Dav Pilkey is the best-selling author and illustrator of the wildly popular Captain Underpants and Dog Man graphic novel series, as well as many picture books, including Dog Breath and The Hallo-Wiener. He won a Caldecott Honor for his picture book The Paperboy. Pilkey has spoken out publicly about his own struggles growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, and how drawing, telling stories, and creating original comic books channeled his creativity and gave him confidence.