Laura Atkins is a children’s book author, editor, and creativity coach, with over thirty years in the children’s book world. She also collects sea glass and creates sculptures and mobiles from shells, pebbles and driftwood. Laura has loved the beach all her life, especially the Bay Area beaches near her Berkeley, California home. She is the co-author of the first two books in the Fighting for Justice series for middle grade readers, Fred Korematsu Speaks Up and Biddy Mason Speaks Up, co-author of the call-to-action picture book, Calling All Future Voters! and author of the light-hearted picture book, Sled Dog Dachshund.

Evgenia Penman is a children’s book illustrator based in the UK, with roots in Kazakhstan. Her journey began as a graphic designer, where she learned to harness the power of visuals. After serving as an art director in an international advertising agency, she recognized that her true passion lay in storytelling through illustration. This summer, she participated in the Advanced Track at the Picturebook Summer School in Cambridge, pushing the boundaries of her craft. Evgenia is dedicated to creating heartwarming stories that resonate with both young readers and their parents, believing that every book can inspire imagination and foster joy.