CCBC Directory of
Wisconsin Children's Book Creators
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Addy, Sharon Hart
I love to make people laugh, so small groups -- two classes in one room -- work best for my programs. During my talk about being an author, I draw stick figures or call up students to demonstrate my points.
Apelqvist, Eva
Because of my restless nature – I traveled alone from Sweden to England for the first time at the age of thirteen, spent a year in the U.S., first as an exchange student in high school, and later as an exchange student in college, spent a year in Paris, France, as a nanny, traveled extensively in Europe, took trips to Russia and Japan - I understand what it means to be different. My writing and my programs tend to emphasize curiosity and approaching life from an unexpected angle.
Other than novels, I write short fiction for children's magazines, such as Highlights for Children, Spider Magazine, Winner magazine, New Moon etc. I also write extensively for the newspaper and magazine markets. I write short romance for a Swedish women's magazine (Allers veckotidning), short fiction for a Swedish young adult educational anthology, and more.
Arihood, Wayne
I have a BS in English (1958) and a Master's in Social Work (1962). Both are from UW-Madison.
Balian, Lecia
As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, my illustrations reflect my love for Wisconsin's natural beauty as much as possible. I literally grew up watching my mother, Lorna Balian, illustrate children's books. Following in her footsteps is an honor that brings me great joy. I attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, however, most everything I know about art and design I learned from my parents and my children.
Beaverson, Georgia "Aiden"
My BA from the UW-Madison is in comparative literature and Scandinavian studies, and included a thesis on Hans Andersen. I write for both adults and children, mostly non-fiction magazine articles on topics like listening and mentoring. Past school talk subjects include my take on writing fiction and doing interviews for biographies. My workshops include fiction, poetry, and (believe it or not) grant proposals.
Blum, Hallie Lou
I have a B.A. in political science and did one year of grduate work in political science and social work. After retirement, I attended a senior writing class, initially sponsored by Creative Arts Over 60.
Bock, Lee
Books and children have defined my adult life. I have been a librarian (public and school) for 25 years, a book reviewer for School Library Journal for over 20 years, and a storyteller and puppeteer for decades.
Bomkamp, Dan
My books have been very popular among young people and I have enjoyed visiting schools and getting feedback from teachers and parents about how some of the "non-reading" kids have gotten excited about reading after being exposed to the books.
Brennan, Kevin P.
I have a bachelor degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN and a masters degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition, I am a licensed school social worker.
I have three children and enjoy coaching and being a father.
Burns, Diane L.
I graduated with a double degree: Natural Resources and Elementary Education. I taught 6th grade for three years. My books combine my love of the outdoors with my passion for enthusing children about the writing process.
Bushnell, Jack
I enjoy working with kids of all ages because my emphasis is on creative writing and having fun. Also, I've written picture books and, recently, a young adult book. But if I work with middle or high school students, I insist on small, intensive workshops with highly motivated young writers.
Cantor, Joanne
From 1974 to 2000 I was a professor, teaching and doing research on the effects of television and movies on children. In 1998 I published a parenting book, "Mommy, I'm Scared": How TV and Movies Frighten Children and What We Can Do to Protect Them, based on my research. In 2004, I translated this knowledge into a children's book, called "Teddy's TV Troubles," to help young children cope with the scary things that confront them daily on TV.
Caple, Laurie
Every child is talented, original and has something important to say through creative expression.
Chaconas, Dori
In my books, as well as in my life, I place great importance on family, and all things related. The parent/child relationship is especially appealing to me as it evokes so much emotion and every reader can relate to it, either as a parent, or as a child, or a used-to-be child. This theme is often reflected in the stories I choose to write.
Comerford, Kevin
I have a B.S. degree is physical therapy, a black belt in karate and my own karate school, formerly had my own construction business. I have 5 kids ages 1 to 16, the first 3 are the heroes of my book, "Halcyon."
Conrad, Catherine
I have a BA in Theatre Arts from Cal State University Northridge, 1983.
Davis, Gibbs
I have a B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley.
Deborah Hembrook, Kathryn Heling and
Kathryn and Deborah are co-authors, currently writing mostly for early elementary aged children. Since the authors are full-time educators, their availability for author visits during the school year is extremely limited at this time. They would be more readily available for summer library visits.
Diebel, Lynne S.
I grew up in Minnesota, earned a BA in English at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and moved to Wisconsin soon after graduation from college. I taught high school English and middle school Destination Imagination in Stoughton until recently. Jann Kalscheur and I co-authored ABCs Naturally, a children's book.
Dischler, Patricia
I present keynotes and workshops at early childhood conferences across the country on professionalism in child care. I also present trainings for adoption professionals and potential adoptive parents. All of my books, products, and lectures are designed to help educate those who care for and about children and guide them in enriching the lives of children. (Parents, teachers, child care providers, students.)I also present lectures on the process of becoming a published author (the writing process, finding a publisher, marketing & publicity) to both students and adults.
driessen, elizabeth (betty) ann
I have 25+ years experience in graphic design, creating, drawing, layout and production. I also do paintings on commission and many are in private and corporate collections. I have taught art classes. Done many talks and presentations about book illustration and publishing. Illustrated 2 children's books.
Eichenbaum, Ken
I have collaborated with two other Wisconsin residents (Wayne Arihood and Sher Schachameyer) on the children's book "The Imaginals." In addition, I have authored four other books.
Ernst, Kathleen A.
I spent over a decade working as an educator for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin's Historic Sites Division, at Old World Wisconsin. I also spent ten years working as an educator with the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, developing and scripting instructional television programs for Wisconsin students. I have an MA in History Education and Writing from Antioch University.
Fritz, Anna Marie
I successfully completed a 2 year course with the Newspaper Institute of America,(following graduation from
Cudahy High School with honors). I have been a contributing
editor, to a monthly regional magazine (Wishigan Outdoors) for more than seven years, as well as a freelance journalist and graphic artist. I have won awards in both the latter categories.
In the past ten years, I have had more nine books published, and have worked my way up from an "associate" in a co-op publishing house, to being a graphics company on my own.
My newest book appears on Amazon.com, under the title:
"Funny Feline Fotos: ISBN 978-09660959-7-5
This is a humorous photo-essay of 80 pages, on cats and kittens. The photos are unaltered, natural 'cat-i-tudes.'
Garty, Judy
A long-time journalist, I wrote news and feature stories for newspapers and magazines as diverse as Wisconsin Trooper and Once Upon a Time. A West Bend, WI Daily News staff reporter, I regularly covered teacher features and a weekly Lifestyle page. I initiated three student newspapers in my teaching tenure.
Giedd, Jennifer R. (Brengle)
I am currently a Title 1 teacher and hold a Reading Teacher's License. I tutor students after school. I was the first female governor for Kiwanis International for the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Gilding, Thomas J.
During my Mark Twain presentations, I bring the wit and wisdom of the famous author Mark Twain to life for audiences of all ages.
My young adult novel, Mark Twain & Me, Mikey T., allows the reader to follow Mikey Thompson, a modern-day Tom Sawyer of Hannibal, Missouri, through a year of his life as he writes a journal in an attempt to raise his grades. This book helps the reader learn about Mark Twain and writing.
My Mark Twain Tales allow young children to read actual Twain stories long before they reach the Tom Sawyer years.
Glass, Sue
I have a MA from Marquette in Curriculum and Instruction along with a 317 reading license. I also have a license in administration for grades K-12 from Concordia University. Over the past twenty-two years, I have taught children in grades K-8 as either a reading specialist or classroom teacher.
Grossnickle, Mary
I was adopted as a toddler, and I currently work with adoptive families through a post-adoption resource center called Friends of Adoption. I previously taught High School English (Amherst, WI) and Middle School Reading (Ripon, WI). I have owned my own speaking/training business since 1991.
Grow, Mary L.
I'm a UW-Madsion graduate and have degrees in Cultural Anthropology. I've conducted fieldwork in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Hartman, Karen L.
I have been doing school presentation for 20 years on American Indians and started publishing in 1992.
Hirsch, Karen
My teaching experience has been mostly with elementary students and somewhat with middle schoolers.
Hodgell, Patricia C.
I have a MA and a Phd in English Literature and have been writing fantasy professionally since 1976. My work is YA to adult, and rather dark.
Hoehne, Marcia
I prefer that students have some familiarity with my books before I come to speak.
HUMPHREY, MELANIE FRIEDERSDORF
Joosse, Barbara M.
I enjoy author visits with elementary grades, library visits with mixed audiences, workshops with writers and addressing large groups.
Kalscheur, Jann T.
I graduated from Middleton High School, earned my BS at UW-Madison in education, and my Masters at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. I taught language arts 1 year at Merrill Senior High School in Merrill, Wisconsin, and currently teach language arts at Stoughton High School.
Kesselman-Turkel, Judi
I'm listed in Who's Who (2006) and Contemporary Authors. My degree from Brooklyn College (NY) is in English and Education. I have taught numerous classes and workshops for children and teens in and out of Wisconsin.
Laundrie, Amy C.
I have a MEPD in children's literature.
Leick, Bonnie
I have a BFA in Film/Video - Character Animation from California Institue of the Arts in Valencia,CA.
Liebig, Nelda
My interest in Wisconsin history spans several decades. I am active in the Oconto County Historical Society and the Trempealeau Community Heritage Society
Lorbiecki, Marybeth
I enjoy working with youth on the excitement and usefulness of reading and writing. I have an M.A. in English, have been an editor at a children's book publishing company, and have teaching experience.
Lowden, Stephanie Golightly
I have been living in Madison since 1975. I am passionate about history and writing and enjoy sharing my love of both with children.
Lucas, Eileen
I currently do very few school programs as I am employed full time as a middle school social studies teacher.
Luy, Nanette
My illustration carries with it passion and enthusiasm that is easily felt by the viewer. Soft realism truly captures the essence of my subjects.
I work in my home studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My free time is dedicated to my two children, my husband, two dogs and two cats.
Macken, JoAnn Early
I am the author of more than one hundred books for children and a graduate of the M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College. My poems have been published in several children's magazines and an anthology. I present poetry writing workshops for children and adults. See my web site at www.joannmacken.com for more details.
Martin, Charles V.
I am a journalist and have been a reporter with the Wisconsin State Journal and Milwaukee Journal.
Martino, Joe
I have a BS in Construction Administration. Grade school age children get a big kick out of Bucky comming to their school.
McKy, Katie Teresa
I majored in English at Ohio State University and have an EdM from Harvard's Graduate School of Education. My experiences as a teacher greatly inform my writing. I worked with students that struggled to read and struggled to comply (learning disabled and emotionally disturbed). When I first started teaching, I employed a simplified curriculum, which bored my students as much as it did me. I came to realize that my students hungered for complex stories and my challenge was to locate complex stories that they could decode. I couldn't find such stories, so I started to write them. My students, being frank critics, accelerated my learning. I now have four Young Adult novels under contract, four Young novellas, and three more picture books, all of which, I believe, honor a child's appetite for complex narratives, but all are written at levels that allow for a wide readership. My first book, "It All Began With a Bean," is based upon a Wisconsin second grader's question: "Miss McKy, what would happen if everyone and everything farted at once?" Anyone that has worked with younger children knows that such questions are not uncommon. Rather than discourage such questions and leave my students to contemplate it, unsupervised, at recess, I'd tweak such questions into something sweet or whimsical. "It All Began With a Bean" is an example of such a tweaking. My second picture book is "Pumpkin Town," which is published by Houghton Mifflin, which also publishes "Jumanji," "Lord of the Rings," and "The Polar Express." It is a sweet story, a fun tale with themes of honsety, stewardship, and restitution. It is beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Pablo Bernasconi.
Militzer, Jill
My answer to anyone who says that there is only one career choice is "don't believe it, your passion should shape your future!" That is exactly what I have done and couldn't be happier.
Morgenstern, Constance
A former teacher, I speak with props and encourage audience participation. Have also done multivisit residencies.
Moser, Lisa L.
I was a fifth grade teacher in Worthington, Ohio before moving to Wisconsin and becoming a stay-at-home mom. I loved teaching reading and writing to my students.
Osborne, M D
I earned a BA degree in Creative Writing/Literature from the University of Central Florida. Before writing for children, I wrote and published short fiction for adults which appeared in various literary magazines and newspaper magazine sections. I wrote and illustrated THE BOY WHO LOVED TO SHIM-SHAM SHIMMY (published in 2005), as well as THE RESCUE OF MR. GOLDSMITH, first in the "Birds of a Feather" series of proverbial fables for kids (due out September, 2006). I currently work as a quiz writer for Renaissance Learning (Accelerated Reader) in Wisconsin Rapids.
Pagnucci, Susan
I spend part of the year in Barnes (Bayfield County) and part of the year in Platteville.
Panagopoulos, Janie Lynn
Award winning Great Lakes children’s author/historian, Janie Lynn Panagopoulos has toured schools throughout Wisconsin/US sharing her stories of history, research and writing to over a half million students/educators (K-12) during the last fifteen years.
Panagopoulos’ “Author Visit” encourages students to read, write, learn and connect with history. “Readers make leaders!” is Panagopoulos’ trademark anthem and she believes, lives, and teaches it to everyone she meets.
With the theme “Adventures in Writing” Panagopoulos’ writing workshops are designed to turn children on to the creative process by de-mystifying writing and helping them to create a simplified connection between educational expectations (standards) and the art of storytelling by written word.
For more information concerning how your students might benefit from a visit by Janie Lynn Panagopoulos, please read: The Motivating Effects of an Author’s School visit on Grade School Children. By Ms. Vickie Brown, V.I.T. Elementary School & Dr. Pamela Godt, Western Illinois University, published in the Illinois Reading Council Journal. An email copy is available by contacting Janie at: Pandex@prodigy.net
For list of titles visit her web site at JLPanagopoulos.com
Peters, Lisa Westberg
Today I live in the Twin Cities, but several times a year, I drive to Kinnickinnic State Park near Prescott, WI, or Afton State Park near Afton, MN, to enjoy the beautiful St. Croix River valley.
Pfitsch, Patricia Curtis
I have B.A. and M.A. in English, and a concentration in writing.
Ralph, LeAnn R.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Writing Emphasis from UW-Whitewater (1987) and also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from UW-W (1992). I worked as a substitute teacher for 3 years, taught English at a boys' boarding school for 2 years, and worked as a newspaper reporter for 9 years.
Ritland, Joanne Faye
I would like to be involved with elementary schools in presenting my book and including an activity for the appropriate age group.
Robey, Stephanie
I hold an master's degree in Written Communications. In 2006, I began my own publishing company, Overdue Books.
Roman, Bobbie
Graduated from UWSP; attended UW Extension, Madison and Stevens Point
Complete Master Gardener program and was active 1995 through 2003.
Grandmother to 11 children, all elementary school age.
Schachameyer, Sher
I feel especially connected to rivers and lakes of Wisconsin--pretty sure I have up-north lake water in my veins.
Schumacher, Bev A
My books are also printed in WI and family members here in the state have supported the photography and subject needs for some of my picutres.
Schwartz, Carol
I enjoy talking to groups of students about how a picture book is created and sharing my knowledge about the many science and nature books I have illustrated.
Shafer, Anders C.
M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing
Sheth, Kashmira
Even though Blue Jasmine is my first published book, during 1990’s I did many school visits as a dance performer, dance teacher, and story teller. I was also an artist in residence, and taught various aspects of Indian culture including cuisine, languages, and customs.
Sinykin, Sheri C
I have an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College. My autobiography, with photographs, is available in SATA v. 142, pages 178-194.
Stotts, Stuart
I have worked in schools throughout Wisconsin and farther for nearly twenty years, doing assembly programs and writing residencies. I work with students on songwriting and story creation. I also do writing workshops with teachers and am a member of the Kennedy Center roster of artists who present teacher workshops nationally.
Sweetland, Nancy A.
I have been a professional freelance writer for over 50 years.
Vandenburgh, Anne
I am currently researching the history of the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Washburne, Carolyn Kott
In addition to maintaining a freelance writing and editing service, I am an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of English at UW-Milwaukee, where I teach creative nonfiction and editing & publishing, and supervise English undergraduate and graduate interns.
Weber, Jane Marie
No degree from college - yet. Still a perpetual part-time student. That is why I enjoy being in the schools. I can relate to the agony and ecstasy of being a student. A re-enactor for five seasons at the Bristol Renaissance Fair, as a member of the Celtic Education Living Theatre Society (CELTS).
Whitcomb, Mary Elizabeth
UW-Madison grad raising family in Madison. I'm a part-time teacher by profession and have spoken at over 60 Wisconsin schools to students in Kindergarten through 9th grade. Can probably supply local reference.
Wojahn, Rebecca Hogue
I am a K-5 library media specialist by day and a writer of children's books by night (well, actually, very eary mornings). In addition to writing for and working with kids, I write and review for library and teacher publications and present at education, library, and writing conferences.
Young, Dean C.
Attended Carroll College, Waukesha, WI with a BA in music education. Also attended UW Eau Claire and UW River Falls. I started writing books in 1990 and regularly do talks to student groups on writing.
