Valerie Sherrard is the author of many books for children.  Her work includes picture books such as the Blue Spruce nominated There's a COW Under My Bed! and juvenile novels such as The Glory Wind.  She has written more than a dozen young adult novels, including White Pine Honour Book Kate and Red Maple Honour title Out of the Ashes. Other books include Watcher, Speechless and her first middle grade historical novel, Three Million Acres of Flame.

Valerie's books have been nominated for a wide variety of Canadian awards.

Before she became a full-time writer, Valerie worked as the Executive Director of a group home for adolescents for more than ten years. As well, she has been a foster parent to approximately 70 teenagers. Valerie lives in Miramichi, New Brunswick.  Occasionally, she travels to Ontario for school and library visits.

Marsha Skrypuch's many books range from folk tale picture books, like Silver Threads and Enough, to historical fiction for young adults, like Daughter of War, children's novels like Stolen Child, chapter books like Aram's Choice and Call Me Aram.

Her books have been selected for the OLA Best Bets lists and Silver Birch, Golden Oak, White Pine and Red Maple reading programs, and have been shortlisted for the CLA Book of the Year. Her 40+ honours, wins and nominations include the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Americas, and the Humber Calliope Award for mentorship and excellence in writing. She was also awarded the Order of Princess Olha in 2008 by the President of Ukraine for her writings on the Holodomor -- the Ukrainian Famine. And no, you don't have to call her Princess Marsha.

Marsha has a Master's degree in Library Science and is a passionate advocate for teacher-librarians.

As a late reader herself, she knows how important it is for students to have quality author visits.

Marsha lives in southwestern Ontario and visits schools and libraries across the country. She also loves to give writing workshops, keynotes and professional development presentations