Debasmita Dasgupta 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
Denis Alonso 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 Learn more about Denis from https://www.denisalonso.com
Derek Charm 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/
