MY TEAM
Kathy J Perry, Author-Illustrator-Publisher-Speaker
After the passing of my parents, I evaluated at what I was doing with my life and my contribution to others. I’ve always had a heart for teaching kids. I’ve been a classroom teacher, a homeschool mom, a tutor, and a substitute for many years. Now, I’ve written, illustrated, and published the Bandana Acres series of Early Reader Chapter Books with solid moral lessons that fill a genre gap between picture and chapter books. Fellow teachers say, “Great! Keep it up. We need more of these.”
As a twelve-year-old, I identified with a fictional orphaned girl and was so impressed with her cleverness and honesty that I wanted to be like her. It was this story that inspired me to write Emeline - A Journey — a story that will educate, encourage, and inspire your tween or teen to find their way as a confident young adult.
A companion book, a consumable guided journal entitled My Journey, will challenge your young adult to important questions and give them lots of room to process their thoughts, hopes, and dreams.
Mark Baral, Character Designer, Bandana Acres series
Mark Baral is a children's book illustrator and character designer. Mark has fostered his love for art by consistently drawing and painting, which has enabled him to produce award-winning artwork both at the regional and national level.
The process of bringing characters to life through design and illustration has always captured his attention. His love for stories is a great inspiration to him as he strives to create fun and entertaining characters that enhance the storytelling experience.
Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator: Emeline - A Journey
I was born and raised with one brother and two sisters in Trento, Italy. I always loved books, excelled in art and wanted to be an illustrator someday. Actually, my parents did not want me to become an artist.
But eventually, I moved to London for a year to learn English, and then went to California. There I worked as an aupair before becoming a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I graduated with a BFA in art. My professional art career started from there.
I have enjoyed illustrating children’s books for thirteen years now and I also teach art part-time in a primary school. I currently make my home with my husband and two dogs in New Zealand. We have lived here for twelve years and love it.
Beth Bruno, Editor
Beth Bruno, Ed.M., M.A., began her literary career 20 years ago as a features writer and editor. Her weekly op-ed column, "Stand Up and Be Counted," became an instant hit when she invited readers to share their opinions about hot topics of the day and included them in her columns. In 2001 she published her first book, Wild Tulips, based on humorous and enlightening stories about raising children.
Beth has edited more than 350 fiction and nonfiction book manuscripts, many of them now award winners. Her favorite genres are: women's fiction, YA (young adult), self-help, psychology, commercial fiction, mysteries and thrillers, science fiction, adventure, memoir, biography, humor, literary fiction, and general nonfiction.
Another dimension of Beth's experience has been judging for an international contest: The Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Winners in more than 70 categories receive cash prizes, publicity, constructive criticism, publicity, and referrals to literary agents and publishers.
Rachel Lawston, (Lawston Design), Designer
Rachel graduated in Graphic Design Communications, from the University of Creative Arts in 2005. Upon graduating, she was invited to present her work at the D&AD New Blood Exhibition. Since then she has worked with publishing houses, design agencies, for authors and charities that are close to her heart.
She has worked with Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Carlton Books, and Walker Books to name a few. Rising to the challenge of designing books and commissioning artwork for amazing authors like Terry Pratchett, John Boyne and Malorie Blackman are some of her greatest accomplishments.
She is a keen birdwatcher and volunteers as an education volunteer at WWT London Wetland Centre. She loves walking too and often climbs mountains and volcanoes when on holiday. When not on holiday, she makes do with evening strolls with her husband in her local park to see bats and owls. She once spotted a hedgehog having an evening snack there too and hopes to bump into him again this summer...
Abigail Vancil, Narrator, Emeline - A Journey
I am a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, which is where I currently live with my husband. When I’m not in the studio or behind the wheel, I keep myself busy playing bells in the church choir, spending time with my family, and attempting to teach myself Spanish.
I first developed an interest in audiobooks through my current job as a driver, where I considered how much fun it would be to be on the other side of the speaker. I am very excited to be making my debut as a narrator and producer on Emeline - A Journey, and getting to work alongside the wonderful Kathy J. Perry and the talented Claudia Gadotti.