Debasmita Dasgupta

Debasmita Dasgupta she/her (PB, CB, GN, MG) is an internationally published, Kirkus Best Prize nominated, multi-award-winning  Indian-origin illustrator and graphic novelist who lives in the United Kingdom. She just loves telling stories through art. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. She holds a First Class with Distinction MA in children’s book illustration and graphic novels from Middlesex University in London. She has worked with some amazing global publishers like HarperCollins UK, Scholastic Asia, Penguin Random House India, Barefoot Books, Oxford University Press, and more. Her latest graphic novel, Faiza is a Fighter, was named one of the BEAT’s Best Kids Comics of 2025. Debasmita was also nominated for a Kirkus Prize in 2018, which was a huge honor. For Debasmita, art isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about making a difference. She’s a big advocate for “art-for-change,” which means she serves on the advisory boards of several non-profits to help amplify the stories of real-life changemakers. Over the years, her art has been exhibited across Asia and Europe, featured by over 50 international media outlets, and her animated stories have even made it to the Raindance Film Festival screens in London and Toronto. When she’s not at her drawing desk, she’s usually on the move. She loves teaming up with international literature festivals, schools, book councils, and museums to mentor the next generation of emerging picture book artists. There is nothing quite like helping someone else find their creative voice.

Follow Debasmita on instagram @debasmitadasgupta

Open to: Picture books, Chapter Books and Graphic Novels

Denis Alonso

Denis Alonso, he / him (PB, CB, MG ) started drawing at a very young age, like many of us, the difference is that he never stopped. When he was just 10 years old, his first artwork was published in a schoolbook after winning an art competition, and from that moment he knew he wanted to be an artist. Today, Denis is best known for his work bringing new life to the beloved The Beginner’s Bible series, as well as for his whimsical and imaginative illustrations. Some of his clients include HarperCollins,  Zonderkidz, Penguin, IglooBooks, LittleHippo Books, MacMillan, Unilever, YorkPress and more. As a storyteller, he has also discovered a passion for writing spooky and humorous stories for children of all ages and believes that everyone has a great story to share. Denis lives in Brazil with his wife and daughter. Together, they share a love of creating, whether it’s sketching on paper, crafting new ideas, or experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.

Instagram: @denisalonso https://www.denisalonso.com

Open to: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and early Graphic Novels

Derek Charm

Derek Charm he / him (GN – CB, MG, YA) is an Eisner Award winning comic artist, illustrator, and character designer for animation. He is the writer/artist of the YA graphic novel Toxic Summer (Oni Press), as well as the artist on several middle grade graphic novels including The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher (DCkids) and the Speed Racer Adventures graphic novel series (Papercutz) He was also the artist on the monthly comic titles The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, (Marvel), Jughead (Archie Comics), and Star Wars Adventures (IDW/Lucasfilm). Outside of comics he has done illustration and design work for Marc Jacobs, Pepsi, and Hasbro, as well as working as a character designer on Batman: Caped Crusader for Warner Bros Animation. He lives in Los Angeles. 

Instagram: @derekcharm Website: derekcharm.co/

Open to: Graphic Novels and IP

ROBIN FRENCH

Robin French, they/any (GN/ YA) is a British transmasc author/illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. As a lifelong lover of horror and fantasy, they are fascinated by how the supernatural can be used as a metaphor and framing for difficult topics, particularly in queer stories. Having lived in four countries, they also love using the sense of specific location in their work. They are also incredibly passionate about visual storytelling, particularly for a YA and middle grade audience. Robin has a 15-year background working as a storyboard artist for animation, recently as a Storyboard Lead on The Amazing Digital Circus. They have also worked on Disney, Netflix and Hasbro shows. Robin has self-published three graphic novels and regularly attends comic events across Australia, and enjoys spending time in nature when they are not writing or drawing. 

Instagram: @sketchrobin web sketchrobin.com

RICHARD DRAPER

Rich Draper, he/him (Illustrator – PB, CB, MG, GN) is an animation industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience bringing characters and stories to life for studios such as Disney, Cartoon Network, and the team behind Elf on the Shelf. He has worked as a Director, Storyboard artist and character designer on everything from commercials to feature films and is now channeling his creative energy into a new passion: illustrating children’s books. Rich combines his unique character designs and colorful worlds to create illustrations that spark imagination and joy for young readers. 

instagram: @richdraperdraws web: https://www.richdraper.com/

SHARELLE KRISEL

Sharelle Krisel, She/Her (Illustrator – PB, CB) is an illustrator born and raised in Michigan. Her interest in art started in elementary school, where she began creating her own children’s books. Her interest in the publishing world followed her into college. In 2025 she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. After graduation, she continued to grow her portfolio and connect with other artists and writers in the industry. Her work features characters and worlds with vibrant colors and soft textures. When she is not drawing, she loves to go on bike rides, try new foods, and read graphic novels.
Portfolio: skarellesart.com. Insta:@skarellesart

JAY SUCHOWER

Jay Suchower, He / Him (Author / Illustrator – Graphic Novels, IP) is a comic enthusiast, artist, and writer from the Greater Philadelphia area. Jay’s passion for comics comes from a lifelong practice of doodling whenever and wherever possible, and being an avid reader and fan of comics and graphic novels. After deciding to pursue his passion for art as a profession, Jay graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a BA in Visual Studies and minors in Visual Development and Creative Writing, and subsequently received his MFA in Sequential Art from Savannah College of Art and Design. Jay’s favorite genres to write are science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on highly character-driven narratives with unconventional protagonists. He especially loves stories that tackle LGBTQ+ and mental health themes, and often strives to incorporate these themes into his stories as well. When he isn’t drawing, writing, or reading comics, Jay enjoys playing the guitar and piano, singing along to music in his car, and hanging out with his cats.

Instagram @thejaysurname website: sites.google.com/view/jaysuchower-portfolio

AUTHOR CLIENTS

EMILY JIRA

Emily Jira, she / her (YA / NA) believes any cloudy day can be fixed by a good book, especially one with magic. She writes young adult novels inspired by her Thai heritage, her family lore, and her worst nightmares.

In addition to being an author, Emily is a living liver donor, an actress, and a producer. Her award-nominated films have been seen at Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema and Laughlin International Film Festival. Her upcoming feature film, StRing, is currently in post-production.

Emily holds a BFA in theater from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and has studied creative writing through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She was a 2024 artist in residency at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, and her short fiction has been featured in Deadlights Horror Fiction Magazine.

When she isn’t reading, Emily enjoys baking elaborate cakes, building home escape rooms, and inventing new nicknames for her dog, Biggs. She writes in memory of her mom, Boni, an elementary school librarian.  

Instagram: @emqjay. web: EmilyJira.com

HEATHER MACHT

Heather Macht, she/her (PB / CB / MG) is the author of fifteen books for young readers, including the forthcoming early reader six-book chapter book series, RANGER AND CREW TO THE RESCUE, featuring UTVs, national parks, teamwork, and adventure! (ABDO, Spring 2028); THE MUTANT CRITTER SITTER, a six-book chapter book series featuring #girlpower, gene-splicing, responsibility, and science-filled fun (ABDO, Fall 2024); THE WOODLOT MONSTER MYSTERIES, a six-book chapter book series featuring #girlpower, teamwork, friendship, and uncommon monsters (ABDO, Spring 2023); and more!

Macht is an active children’s author who has been creating stories, particularly about dinosaurs, monsters, and odd characters, since the third grade. She earned her degree in fine arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville and currently works as an IT professional while also being a full-time mom.

Macht is the owner of SeasonsOfKidLit.com, a blog she designed and created in October 2022 that has already received over 37,000 views (and is growing each day!), dedicated to celebrating the seasons in children’s literature and connecting the kidlit community with readers.

She lives with her family in sunny Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and enjoys hunting for sharks’ teeth, saving turtles from busy roads, and watching scary movies in her spare time.

Website: https://heathermacht.com/

Blog: Seasons of KidLit Blog 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherauthormacht/

Twitter: Heather Macht (@AuthorHMacht) / X