M.O. Yuksel
Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Türkiye, raised in New York City, and now lives in New Jersey with her three kids, two cats, and one husband. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Fordham University, and a master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked […]
Valerie Bolling
Valerie Bolling is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of six picture books — LET’S DANCE! (SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner), TOGETHER WE RIDE, TOGETHER WE SWIM (2023 Kirkus Prize Finalist), RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!, BING, […]
Shoohada Khanom
Shoohada Khanom is a children’s author, writer, and home educator. She has published several Muslim-faith picture books and a couple of journals. She has written for Amaliah and Hayati magazines and has a short story and poem published in an anthology. Shoohada was born and raised in London, UK, and lives a busy life, splitting […]
Sara Ackerman
Sara Ackerman is an early childhood educator who delights in finding the just-right book that will make a child gasp or giggle, ask questions or proudly declare “I knew that,” feel represented and loved, or expand their thinking with the exciting and unfamiliar. She is represented by Tricia Lawrence of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Her debut picture […]
Rona Shirdan
Rona Shirdan is a freelance writer, editor, and coach with a love for picture books and a passion for encouraging new writers. She is committed to the process of peacebuilding in the areas of social justice and diversity, focusing on children’s literature, and partnering with organizations that embrace these initiatives. She wants all children to feel […]
Rachel Funez
Rachel Funez (she/her) is a part-time lawyer, full-time mom, and aspiring children’s author who loves mountain views, chocolate, travel, and walking her Bearded Collie. She spent much of her childhood as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) in Costa Rica, Peru, and Ecuador, and is now raising bicultural and (hopefully) bilingual children with her husband, a […]
Pradeep Velugubantla
Pradeep Velugubantla grew up in India, then came to the United States. When he became a father, he saw his children inherit Indian and American cultures simultaneously (Bi-cultural). Though it is a fantastic opportunity for bi-cultural children to thrive by taking advantage of the best in both worlds, it can present some unique challenges. Today, […]
Meghan Daniels
Meghan Daniels grew up in Boston, MA, and now resides in Austin, TX. She is a certified research administrator and picture book writer. She is also a regular at the Writing Barn in Austin, and founded a local critique group with writers she’s met in classes and workshops there. She first joined 12×12 in 2015. […]
Matt Tesoriero
Matt Tesoriero’s passion for writing children’s books took hold while making up stories for his 12 nieces and nephews. Now he writes and revises picture books for his critique group and agent. His goal is to create lovable, diverse protagonists that inspire, enlighten and entertain children in unexpected ways. Matt has been honored with various […]
Ellen Lee
Ellen Lee is a writer, editor, journalist, mom and daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Real Simple, and she is the ADJECTIVE author of Lunar New Year Mad Libs from Penguin Random House. She is passionate about sharing stories about Asian Americans […]
