Presenters Archive

A. B. PORANEK grew up sharing her time between Ontario, Canada, and rural Poland, and eventually completed a veterinary degree […]

AALIYA JALEEL is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist. She is a graduate of the University of Texas […]

ABBI CLOTH holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from York University and is completing her Bachelor of Education […]

ADELINA LIRIUS is an illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden. She loves spending time in her studio sketching on different ideas and […]

ADRIENNE KRESS (writer) is a Toronto-based actor and author of award-winning internationally published children’s and young adult novels, including the […]

AFSANEH SANEI is an author and illustrator of children’s books who was born in Isfahan, a colorful city in Iran. […]

Aimee Reid is a children’s book author with a background in education and editing. She taught high school English, Music, […]

We’re really excited here at Telling Tales because we’re teaming up with Ainara who hosts the amazing Instagram page Ainara’s Bookshelf, where she […]

AK is a Nigerian born poet/rapper living in Vaughan, Ontario. When he isn’t studying Economics at McMaster University, he’s dedicating his […]

From the moment she was able to hold a pencil, Alina Tysoe was scribbling away and filling notebooks with doodles […]

Alisa Siegel makes radio documentaries for the CBC, for which she has won many international awards. Her docs have covered […]

Introducing The Almost Epic Squad — a new multi-author, middle-grade series about ordinary kids who develop some very unusual superpowers. […]

ALYSSA KOSKI is an illustrator, animator and entrepreneur. She graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta […]

ALYSSA WATERBURY is an illustrator from London, Ontario. A graduate of the Sheridan College illustration program, her work aims to […]

Ambreen Butt-Hussain was born in Pakistan but lived in England and Scotland before finally settling in Canada. She has a […]

ANA SUÁREZ is an illustrator and educator based in Madrid. She studied Fine Arts and Illustration, focusing her work on […]

ANDREA ARMSTRONG is a visual artist living in Vancouver, British Columbia. She spends her days (and often nights) illustrating, painting […]

ANDREA CURTIS’s children’s non-fiction includes Loop de Loop and the ThinkCities series (A Forest in the City, City of Water, […]

ANDREA LANDRY is Anishinaabe from a small community called Pays Plat First Nation in Northwestern Ontario but currently resides on […]

Andrew is the author of over twenty picture books including Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden; A Squiggly Story; The […]

Andy G and Friends bring to the stage a whole bunch of fun, singalong, danceable, toe-tapping tunes in their children’s/family […]

Angela Misri is an award-winning Toronto journalist and author who writes detective fiction inspired by her birth country, Great Britain. […]

Angela Misri is an award-winning journalist, author and educator. She is best known for her detective series, The Portia Adams […]

ANITA YASUDA is a Canadian writer of South Asian descent. She earned her honours degree in East Asian and South […]

Anitha Rao-Robinson is an author, conservationist, and creator of the Kindness Is Everything podcast. A former accountant, Anitha now devotes […]

ANNA BRON studied traditional animation at Sheridan College. She illustrated the award-winning picture book Salma the Syrian Chef and the […]

ANNA HUMPHREY has worked in marketing for a poetry organization, in communications for the Girl Guides of Canada, as an […]

Annie Webber is an animator and educator living and working in Hamilton, Ontario. Her works come from environments created and […]

Anoosha Syed is a Pakistani Canadian illustrator, author, and character designer for animation. She has illustrated over forty books, including […]

Arley Nopra is a Filipina-Canadian illustrator and cartoonist and the creator of the New York Times bestselling Baby-sitters Club graphic […]

Arthur Slade was raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, completing his first novel when he was […]

ASHLEY BARRON studied illustration at the Ontario College of Art & Design. She has since illustrated a number of books […]

Author and illustrator Ashley Spires grew up in Tsawwassen, British Columbia and after stints living in Toronto and Saskatoon, she […]

AZBY WHITECALF is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer. Whitecalf is a graduate of AUArts, majoring in illustration with […]

Barbara Reid is one of Canada’s most renowned and well-known illustrators. Her unique clay modelling technique is known around the […]

Basil Sylvester is an author, student, sort-of editor, bookseller, and occasional backstage person in community theatre. Their debut book The […]

Becky Han is an Inuk singer-songwriter who grew up in the small and beautiful community of Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay) in […]

Ben Philippe describes himself as a “Black French-Canadian writer. Basically, the guy across the hall if your life was a […]

BÉRENGÈRE DELAPORTE worked as an illustrator in a communication agency in Savoy, France, after formally studying art in Strasbourg, and […]

BETH FERRY is the author of numerous picture books for children including Roar for Reading, Prunella, and the New York […]

BITHI SUTRADHAR is a Bangladeshi illustrator and graphic designer who holds a master of publishing degree from Simon Fraser University, […]

BRIANNA McCARTHY is a mixed-media visual communicator and self-taught artist. She is the illustrator of If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio […]

Britt Wilson is an Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated letterer, cartoonist and illustrator. She works on various comics and series, including […]

BRITTANY LUBY, of Anishinaabe descent, was raised on Treaty #3 Lands in what is now known as northwestern Ontario. She […]

BROOKE CARTER is a Canadian novelist and the author of several contemporary books for teens, including Double or Nothing (Junior […]

BROOKLIN STORMIE is an artist and illustrator based in Peterborough, Ontario. She is a grad of OCADU’s illustration program, a […]

Brynley Eckhart (she/her) is the Digital Resource and Collections Librarian at Burlington Public Library. She maintains and grows the Library’s […]

Join BPL’s talented troupe of tale spinners under The Big White Tent. Enjoy stories and puppet shows that’ll tickle your […]

Burlington Student Theatre is a community-based program for youth that provides opportunities in performance study, technical development, leadership, social skills, […]

Cale Atkinson is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside with his family in Kelowna, British Columbia. Cale is constantly […]

CALE PLETT (they/them) is a nonbinary, genderfluid writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their short fiction and poetry have been published in […]

When Carl Brundtland was growing up, his grandma would share little life lessons in the form of Jamaican proverbs. His […]

Carmen Mok is an award-winning illustrator with prior experience in product design, hand-lettering and graphic design. She made the 2019 […]

Carol-Ann Hoyte writes poetry for young people. Two of her favourite ways of enjoying poetry are reading novels written in […]

Caroline Merola dessine depuis qu’elle est toute petite. Avec ses crayons et ses encres de couleur, elle met en scène […]

CASEY LYALL lives in Southwestern Ontario where she also works at her local library (and waits for management to discover […]

Cassandra Calin is a cartoonist and humorist best known for her semi-autobiographical webcomic series, Cassandra Comics, in which she talks […]

CATHIE JAMIESON is an Anishinaabe artist from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation with Haudenosaunee family ties to Six […]

Chad Solomon is a member of the Henvey Inlet, First Nation. As a child, he and his family would visit with […]

Charlene Chua draws many things, from baos to dragons, and everything in between. When they are not drawing, they enjoy […]

Charlene Rocha is an activist and software engineering student at the University of Waterloo. She combines her passions for computer […]

CHERYL ISAACS is a Mohawk/white writer from southern Ontario and the author of The Unfinished. She believes that outdoors is […]

Chief Lady Bird is a First Nations (Potawatomi and Chippewa) artist from Rama First Nation. Her Anishinaabe name is Ogimaakwebnes, […]

CHIEF LADY BIRD is a Chippewa and Potawatomi artist from Rama First Nation and Moose Deer Point First Nation. The […]

Ladybird Fancypants isn’t your average drag queen. She wears pants and (gasp!) flats and she’s also mastered the art of […]

Christine is a Vietnamese-Canadian artist who works on storyboards for animated TV and feature films by day and sketches up […]

Christopher Steininger has done storyboards for numerous shows and video games, including Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and Spec Ops: The Line. […]

CINYEE CHIU is originally from Taiwan, now living in Vancouver, Canada. She got her MFA in illustration from the Maryland […]

In a world that’s becoming ever more digitized, Claudia Dávila remains a believer in and appreciator of books you can […]

CLAYTON NGUYEN is a Vietnamese artist born in Ottawa and currently based in Toronto, Ontario.

COLTRANE SEESEQUASIS is a young fantasy writer of Willow Cree heritage who grew up in Gatineau, Quebec. He first began […]

Cornelia Li is a Chinese-born illustrator currently based in Toronto. She is intrigued by narrative woven into daily interactions between […]

An experienced science communicator, Dr. Cylita Guy spent ten years working as a Host at the Ontario Science Centre. She […]

CYNTHIA LEITICH SMITH is the bestselling, acclaimed author of books for all ages, including Firefly Season, Jingle Dancer, Indian Shoes, […]

Dennis D’Scribe is a national champion spoken word poet, queer mixed Ojibwe and settler human who has had the opportunity […]

Danielle Daniel is an award-winning author and illustrator whose journey into art making and book publishing has gone hand in […]

DANNY RAMADAN is an award-winning Syrian-Canadian author, activist, and public speaker. His work as an activist has helped provide a […]

Darcy Whitecrow is Ojibwe and Dakota; he is a member of the Seine River First Nation band in Northwestern Ontario, […]

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award and has won the TD Canadian Children’s […]

Canadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than 50 books for readers of all ages. A […]

David Pell has been Principal Trombonist of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra since 2002 and Bass Trombonist of the National Ballet […]

Dave Whamond’s work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Politico, and more. He has […]

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?. Her illustrations also appear in Sea Monkey and Bob, […]

Deborah is an award-winning author, a feminist and a peace activist. Deborah penned the international bestseller The Breadwinner, as well […]

Deborah Falaye is a Nigerian Canadian young adult author. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she spent her time […]

Deborah Kerbel is the award-winning author of 11 novels for young readers, as well as 20 picture books, including No […]

DELPHIE CÔTÉ-LACROIX is an illustrator working from Montreal, Quebec. Her work has received several awards over the years, including the […]

DENISE DAVY is a nationally recognized award-winning journalist who specializes in writing about mental health, homelessness and gender issues. She […]

Dennis Lee is Toronto’s first Poet Laureate, an Officer of the Order of Canada and the author of timeless children’s […]

Dirk McLean was born in Trinidad and came to Toronto as a teenager. He is the author of a series […]

Dom Pelletier started drawing cartoons at a young age and has never put his crayons down. While working as a […]

DOROTHY ELLEN PALMER is a mother of two, an award-winning disabled senior writer, accessibility advocate and retired teacher. She served […]

DR. JILLIAN ROBERTS is a child psychologist, author, professor at the University of Victoria and mother of three children. Considered […]

Meet Hamilton-local author, script-writer, and actor Duane Murray. He explores grief and intergenerational relationships in his heartwarming graphic novel, Better […]

E.K. JOHNSTON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several YA novels, including the Los Angeles Times Book […]

ELAINE SU (苏依泠) is a teacher, librarian, and storyteller. She loves to create in the rich intersection where culture, nature, […]

ELDER JOHNNY AITKEN is an interdisciplinary artist, actor, writer, carver, filmmaker, activist and educator. Johnny’s mixed ancestry includes Coast Salish, […]

Elizabeth MacLeod is the author of many Canadian nonfiction titles including the Canada Close Up series titles Canadian Government, Canada’s […]

EMILY DEIBERT (she/her) was born in North Vancouver, B.C., spent most of her life in Toronto, ON, and now lives […]

ERIC FAN is an artist and writer who lives in Toronto, Canada. Born in Hawaii and raised in Toronto, he […]

ERIC WALTERS has published over 130 novels and picture books for young readers. Among many awards, he won the Governor […]

ERIKA RODRIGUEZ MEDINA is a book illustrator and publicist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her favourite things to illustrate are […]

Erin Alladin is an editor, writer, and ecology enthusiast who is always looking for ways to combine her passions. Born […]

Erin Bow is a physicist turned poet turned children’s novelist—and she’s won major awards in all three roles. Erin is […]

Erin Bow was born in the American Midwest and studied particle physics in college, eventually working at the CERN laboratory […]

Erin is an artist and illustrator based in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. She was diagnosed with MODY3 […]

Esi Edugyan, best known for her adult novels Half-Blood Blues and Washington Black, is making her children’s literature debut with […]

Etienna is a member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory in the province of Alberta. She has […]

Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty is a member of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory in the province of Alberta. […]

FARAH HERON is the critically acclaimed author of romantic comedies for adults and young adults filled with huge South Asian […]

Farah Qaiser is passionate about making science engaging and accessible for everyone, from youth to adults, through writing, outreach, and […]

Farida Zaman has illustrated several children’s picture books, as well as illustrated for educational publications. Her distinct but versatile style is […]

Femmes du Feu Creations is a not-for-profit circus & multi-arts organization. Flora & Fauna is a new early years creation […]

Meet “Iron Gabe” Crimeli. After a 3 and a half year fight #irongabe can finally say he completed his 3.5 […]

GABRIELLE PRENDERGAST is the award-winning author of numerous books for children and teens. She won the BC Book Prize for […]

 I do art, animation and a little bit of music and programming.  I love games and I like learning the […]

Godfrey Nkongolo is a doctoral student in political science with extensive experience working in international and community development in Tanzania. […]

GRACE CHEN is a Chinese-Canadian artist based in the Greater Toronto Area. She graduated from Sheridan College with a degree […]

What do you do when a walk through the woods with your kids gives you the inspiration for a TV […]

Jason Hachey, aka Hachey the MouthPEACE, is a Beatboxer from Hamilton, Ontario. Every sound in his music comes from one […]

​​​Hamilton Children’s Choir is committed to providing children and youth with rich musical education and performance opportunities, creating a sense […]

Hamilton You Poets (HYP) was created in 2012 to give our community’s youth the opportunity to develop their creative skills […]

Hawlii Pichette is a Mushkego Cree illustrator who was born and raised in the small community of Cochrane, Canada. Her […]

HAWLII PICHETTE is a Mushkego Cree illustrator who was born and raised in the small community of Cochrane, Canada. Her […]

Hayley Lowe is a Canadian illustrator and storyteller. She enjoys exploring a range of media but is particularly drawn to […]

Heather Kuzyk is a versatile and creative visual artist. She is a graduate of the esteemed Sheridan College in both […]

Heather M. O’Connor is an award-winning children’s author and freelance writer based in Peterborough, Ontario. She first learned about Ojibwe […]

HEATHER MILLER earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto in 2003 and holds an Honours Bachelor […]

Heather Smith is the author of several books including the middle-grade novel Ebb & Flow, which was shortlisted for the […]

Helaine Becker is the bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including Counting on Katherine, […]

Hexe Noire, a popular drag queen performer, has been showcasing her work in Hamilton for the last 6 years. Through […]

HOWIE SHIA is an illustrator, writer, and animation director. He has worked with Disney, Netflix, and the National Film Board […]

 Ian Keteku is a poet, musician and freelance journalist. Born as Ian Nana Yaw Adu Budu Keteku, his birth name […]

Irene Luxbacher is an illustrator, children’s book author, and a graduate of Queen’s University and Emily Carr University of Art […]

IRMA KNIIVILA is a Canadian artist and writer. Most days she’s working on comics or illustrations, sneaking in an animal […]

ISABELLA FASSLER is an interdisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Ontario, who is passionate about exploring the different ways art can […]

ISABELLE MALENFANT has illustrated more than twenty children’s books, including Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino (Stonewall […]

Ishta Mercurio is an author and actor. Originally from Cincinnati, Ishta now lives in Brampton, Ontario, where she films and […]

J. Torres won the Shuster Award for Outstanding Writer for his work on Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Love […]

JADE ZHANG (artist) is a queer Chinese Canadian illustrator and comic artist. She has illustrated comics for BOOM! Studios, HarperCollins, […]

Jael Richardson is the author of the memoir The Stone Thrower, a picture book by the same title and the […]

Janet Wilson is an author, illustrator, and artist. Janet’s latest book, Our Rights: How Kids Are Changing The World, shows that […]

Janie Hao is a fun-loving, media-playing, idea-generating illustrator currently based just outside of Toronto, though she has lived all over […]

Janis Bridger is an educator and writer who has many creative outlets and a love for the outdoors. She lives […]

Jay Odjick is an artist and writer from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Algonquin community,  just outside of Maniwaki, Quebec. He […]

JEN FERGUSON (she/her) is a queer woman with Métis/Michif and white settler ancestry. She is also an activist, a feminist, […]

Jen Sookfong Lee was born and raised on Vancouver’s East Side, and she now lives with her son in North […]

JENIN MOHAMMED, winner of the 2020 Summer Spectacular Illustration Grand Prize, is the illustrator of the picture books Naming Ceremony, […]

Jennifer Faria is an illustrator, painter and graphic designer who studied at Central Technical School and George Brown College in […]

JENNIFER HARRIS is the author of a number picture books, including The Witching Hour (illustrated by Adelina Lirius, Tundra / […]

Jennifer Maruno is the author of seven novels for middle grade and young adult readers as well as the picture […]

Jennifer Mook-Sang was born in Guyana, South America, and moved to Canada at the age of fourteen, where she eventually […]

Jeremy Tankard is the author and illustrator of some very silly picture books including Grumpy Bird, Boo Hoo Bird, Hungry […]

JESS HANNIGAN is an illustrator and author living in Hamilton, Ontario. Her debut picture book was Spider in the Well, […]

Jess Keating is an award-winning author, cartoonist, and zoologist, whose work has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, […]

JESS WILLOWS has had a long career as a teacher in the Gulf Islands School District of British Columbia. With […]

Jessica Rose is a writer, editor and arts organizer who lives and works in Hamilton, Ontario. A passionate advocate for […]

JESSICA VITALIS is the author of The Wolf’s Curse, The Rabbit’s Gift, and Coyote Queen. She is a full-time writer […]

Jing Jing Tsong is a mom, musician, and surfer whose grown-up job is drawing pictures. Her technique, which layers colour […]

Jo Ellen Bogart was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in several Texas cities. For the last 40 years, […]

Jo Storm is a writer currently living in Sudbury, Ontario. She grew up in Muskoka, and makes frequent pilgrimages back […]

Joanne Robertson is AnishinaabeKwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She received her Fine Arts degree from Algoma University and […]

JOANNE SCHWARTZ grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Her first picture book, Our Corner Grocery Store, was a Marilyn […]

Jodie Callaghan is from the Mi’gmaq First Nation in Gespe’gewa’gi (Quebec). She started writing stories when she was 8 years […]

Jody Boston is an award-winning artist with eighteen years of experience teaching drama and movement to primary and secondary students. […]

Joel A. Sutherland is the Silver Birch and Hackmatack Award-winning author of eight Haunted Canada collections, as well as numerous […]

Johnnie Christmas is a #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novelist. Best known for co-creating the series Angel Catbird with […]

Winner of the 2010 Governor General’s Award for English-Language children’s illustration, The Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal, Jon […]

Jon-Erik Lappano’s debut picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka, won the Governor General’s Literary Award and […]

Jonathan Auxier is a NYT Bestselling author of strange stories for strange children. His first novel, Peter Nimble and his […]

JORDAN WRAY is an illustrator based on the west coast of Canada. Graduating from Arts University Plymouth, UK with a […]

Josh Taylor is a dancer, choreographer, storyteller and an artist-educator, often exploring themes in Hip-Hop culture, Pop culture, sociopolitical and […]

Jude Johnson is one of Canada’s finest vocalists and has been performing for both adults and children for over 40 years. Jude began […]

JUDY I. LIN is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology, Song of the Six […]

JULIE MCLAUGHLIN is an award-winning illustrator who has illustrated numerous children’s titles, including Pride Puppy, Little Pine Cone and Why […]

Award-winning author Karen Bass is an avid reader who found her passion for writing while working at her local library […]

KAREN KROSSING is an author of settler heritage who has written twelve books for kids and teens, including the picture […]

KARI-LYNN WINTERS is a picture book author, poet, and performer. She enjoys being in the classroom in any capacity, as […]

KATE FODOR is a writer and producer who has worked on the Emmy- and Golden Globe Award–winning series The Marvelous […]

KATE JENKS LANDRY is an author of books for young people and an educator. Her debut picture book, Beatrice and […]

Kate Moss Gamblin’s Canadian identity springs from our delightful Earth – from toes in the waters of Muskoka to facing […]

Katelyn (she/her) grew up in libraries, from avid storytime go-er to holding many different library positions since high school. Katelyn […]

Joining us virtually from Vancouver, British Columbia, Kathleen Gros is a cartoonist. You may recognize her distinctive illustrative style from […]

KATHY KACER’s award-winning list of Holocaust fiction and non-fiction for young readers includes The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser (winner of […]

KATRINA CHEN (陳葦蓁) moved to Canada from Taiwan on her own and worked in the grassroots community before being elected […]

Kelly Zhang is a first-generation Chinese immigrant, children’s writer, and Chinese/English literary translator based in Ottawa, Canada. Kelly draws on […]

Keltie Thomas is the author of Do Fish Fart? and How Hockey Works, as well as many other highly acclaimed […]

A long-time friend of Telling Tales, Kenneth Oppel is the award-winning author of the Silverwing trilogy that has sold over […]

Kern Carter is the author of Boys and Girls Screaming, along with two self-published novels, Thoughts of a Fractured Soul […]

Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, Kevin Sands has worked as a researcher, a […]

Kevin Sylvester is an award-winning author, illustrator and broadcaster. Best known for the MiNRS trilogy and the Neil Flambé series, […]

KID HAILE is an artist of Ethiopian descent born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. After obtaining a degree in biological […]

KIRSTI BEAUTYMAN is an author and illustrator from the northeast of England—working from her studio nestled away on the outskirts […]

Krista McNaughton is an actor, stand-up comedian, and writer from Hamilton. She is a graduate of the Theatre Arts Performance […]

KRISTY JACKSON is a communications professional and the mother of two boys. Her work draws inspiration from her Cree and […]

KYLE REED was born and raised in the wilds of Hamilton, Ontario. Growing up, he loved to draw silly characters […]

LANA BUTTON is a children’s book author, motivational speaker for kids and an early childhood educator. She has written more […]

Lara Jean Okihiro is a writer, researcher, and educator of mixed Japanese Canadian heritage living in Toronto. Intrigued by the […]

LAURA BONTJE is an author and freelance book editor. Raised in Calgary, she now lives with her husband, kids, and […]

Laura Ellis is an award-winning actor, director, writer and arts educator in the theatre and film industry. Over the past […]

LAUREL CROZA is the author of the picture book I Know Here, illustrated by Matt James. It won the Boston […]

LAURIE PETROU is an award-winning and internationally published author of young-adult fiction, short stories and commercial literary novels. Her books […]

Lawrence Hill is perhaps …best known for the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of The Book of Negroes, which was made […]

LEONARDA CARRANZA was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and currently lives in Brampton, Ontario. She holds a PhD in […]

Lesley Livingston is an award-winning author of teen fiction, including the Wondrous Strange trilogy, which was named one of the “100 young adult […]

LLexy the Rap Dad is a children’s author and rapping dad from Ajax, Ontario. The creator of Friendly Fables (add […]

LINDA TRINH is a Vietnamese Canadian author who writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Her work has appeared […]

Linh Nguyen is a Vietnamese immigrant to Canada who straddles many intersecting worlds. Her stories revolve around home, liminality, and […]

GirlCanCreate is Lisa Pijuan-Nomura. A multidisciplinary artist and creativity coach, Lisa has been interested in spreading the good word of […]

Liselle Sambury is a Trinidadian-Canadian author who writes genre-blended speculative fiction with dark themes, complicated families, and edges of hope. […]

Loretta’s favourite pastime as a teen was hitting vintage book shops and garage sales to feed a healthy book obsession.  […]

Lori is a natural and accomplished author, educator and performer.   Her premiere picture book, “aRHYTHMetic” came out with Gumboot […]

Lydia Ramsey is a visual development artist and illustrator hailing from the picturesque Prince Edward Island, where she currently lives […]

Mahtab Narsimhan is an award-winning author with numerous critically acclaimed books including The Third Eye, which won the Silver Birch […]

MAIDAH AHMAD is an educator and author who lives by the motto of love for all, hatred for none. She […]

Maika Harper is a Canadian actress, model, and author born and raised in the Arctic. She starred in APTN’s hit […]

MANDO LITTLECHILD is a Treaty 6 nêhiyaw First Nations artist from Maskwacis, Alberta. They have been painting professionally since 2021, […]

MARCUS CUTLER has always loved drawing weird and silly characters, and making up weird and silly stories. So, he feels […]

Author MARIA BIRMINGHAM has worked in the children’s publishing industry for nearly 30 years. She is a longstanding contributor to […]

MARIA MARIANAYAGAM is a Tamil Sri Lankan Canadian children’s book author, engineer, and wannabe-cool nerd. She was born in India […]

MARIE LAFRANCE has illustrated for magazines, newspapers, billboards and boxes of jelly powder, but now she prefers to use her warm […]

Marie-Louise Gay is an internationally acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator. She is best known for her Stella and Sam […]

MARLEY BEROT is an illustrator with over ten years of combined personal and professional experience. Her portfolio includes cover art […]

MARTY CHAN is a prolific writer and award-winning author of over twenty books, including Cosplay Crime, Kung Fu Master and […]

MARY AVERLING grew up across England and Canada, never far from the woods. She has degrees from the University of […]

Over the last twenty years, Matt Beam has published a range of works from young adult novels (Last December) to […]

MATT JAMES is a Toronto-based author/illustrator whose books include Yellow Moon, Apple Moon by Pamela Porter (New Mexico Book Award), […]

MATTEO L. CERILLI is a transmasc author and an activist. He helped found Students for Queer Liberation (Toronto) and works […]

Maya Ameyaw is a former bookseller and currently works as a community arts writing instructor. She has edited several mental […]

MEEGAN LIM is an illustrator and arts facilitator striving to nurture community growth and healing through visual arts. She holds […]

Megan Kearney is a Toronto-based cartoonist. Her work has appeared in publications from Dark Horse, Bedside Press, Fairylogue Press, and […]

Megan holds a PhD in English Literature from McMaster University. Her research focuses on education systems in fantasy fiction, looking […]

MELANIE FLORENCE has been writing full-time since 2010 and has written many children’s books, but she’s probably best known for […]

Author and illustrator Mélanie Watt is the bestselling creative genius behind many beloved picture books for children, including the Scaredy […]

Melodie Campbell is the award-winning author of over two hundred publications, including a hundred comedy credits, forty short stories and […]

Michael Hutchinson is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, north of Winnipeg. He is the author of the Mighty […]

Michelle Gram Giesen is an elementary teacher and Arts Teacher Mentor with the Toronto District School Board, specializing in Drama […]

MIKE DEAS has worked as a concept artist, texture artist, and art lead in the video game industry, and has […]

Mireille Messier is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised and now Toronto-based award-winning children’s writer and voice over artist. Before becoming an author, Mireille […]

Mireille Messier is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised, and now Toronto-based author, freelance writer, and voice-over artist with a background in theatre […]

MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a […]

Monica Arnaldo was born in Ontario, Canada, where the trash cans are often filled with raccoons and half-eaten cheeseburgers (but […]

Monique Gray Smith is an international speaker and award-winning author. She wrote When We Are Kind to prompt a dialogue […]

MORGAN CHRISTIE is the author of four poetry chapbooks, a short story collection, and a collection of essays. She has […]

With his guitar in hand and a childlike enthusiasm & energy, Mr. Ben’s signature blend of folk & pop grabs […]

Mr. Chris and the Gassy Bubbles is a rock and roll family band based out of Cambridge. The Bubbles have […]

Whether singing original songs from his CFMA-nominated album Tuba Blues with his band or inviting kids in classrooms, parks and […]

Nadia Alam is a second-generation Bangladeshi Canadian illustrator. She lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, son, and dog named […]

Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author of several books for young people, including the Malaika series, Harriet Tubman: Freedom […]

Naseem Hrab is a writer and storyteller, and the author of the Ira Crumb series and Weekend Dad. Her comedy […]

NATALIE LAURIN is a Métis and settler woman with family roots in the Georgian Bay Métis community. As a rising […]

Follow Nathalie as she spins original and classic tales that will engage, inspire and tickle the funny bone. Her performances […]

Neil Pasricha thinks, writes, and speaks about intentional living. All his current work focuses under themes of gratitude, happiness, failure, […]

NICI GREGORY started illustrating whilst still in primary school, drawing in the margins of her exercise books. After studying graphic […]

Nicola Winstanley has always believed in the power of stories to bring comfort. She is the author of The Pirate’s Bed, […]

Nicola Winstanley has always believed in the power of stories to bring comfort. She is the author of The Pirate’s […]

OKSANNA CRAWLEY writes in several genres for kids with humour and heart. Her debut middle grade book is Katie Crumble […]

Onome Ako is the CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada, a global humanitarian and development organization that combats hunger and […]

Paromita Kar is the first to complete a PhD in Dance Studies in Canada (York University, 2014). She is a […]

PAT LAMONDIN SKENE retired from the world of banking to find her voice. She is a Métis author of eight […]

Patricia Storms is a writer and illustrator with over twenty years’ experience. Her work has been featured in Chirp and […]

PAUL COCCIA is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature […]

Paul Covello is an illustrator and art director, and the nationally bestselling creator of Canada ABC, Canada 123 and Everyday […]

The rewarding thing about cartooning is that it’s completely yours… you can express your ideas any time you like! I […]

QAVAVAU MANUMIE was born in Brandon, Manitoba. He returned to Kinngait, Nunavut, as a very young child and now lives […]

QIN LENG has illustrated numerous picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers from around the world. Her recent picture […]

Queen Pepper is the complete package; She is a vocal powerhouse, accomplished songwriter and she graces the stage with a […]

RACHEL KEHOE is an avid reader, traveler and photographer who has lived in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong. She has […]

RICHARD SCRIMGER is the award-winning author of over twenty books for children and adults. His works have been translated into […]

Rina Singh has published several critically acclaimed books for children inspired by her Indian Canadian heritage, including Diwali Lights, Holi […]

RISA HUGO is the illustrator of A Summer Without Anna and  a number of other children’s books, including Leopold’s Leotard […]

Long before he started writing books, Robert Munsch was a storyteller. The first time he told his stories to a […]

Robin Lacambra (she/they) is a queer Filipinx creative, speaker, and facilitator. Drawing from somatic relational psychotherapy, mindful movement, and conflict […]

Ronnie Riley (they/them) is the author of Asking for a Friend, and Jude Saves the World, which was an OLA […]

Roselynn Akulukjuk was born in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, in the Canadian Arctic. In 2012 she enrolled in the Toronto Film School […]

ROSENA FUNG is an illustrator, educator, and comic artist. Her debut graphic novel, Living With Viola, was named a best […]

Ruth has been a long time friend and presenter at the Telling Tales Festival and we are looking forward to […]

S.J. Okemow is a Nehiyaw (Cree) and Eastern European multidisciplinary artist. mî Osâwâpikones (Dear Dandelion) is her debut picture book. […]

S. K. Ali, the author of Saints and Misfits, returns to Telling Tales with the romantic sequel to Love from […]

Salma Hussain grew up in the UAE and immigrated to Canada when she was 13 years old. Her short stories […]

Salwa is a Pakistani-Canadian illustrator and 2D artist for the animation industry. She has worked on both TV cartoons and […]

Sandra Lamouche is a nêhiyaw iskwêw (Cree woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. She is a wife, […]

SARA CASSIDY’S children’s books include finalists for the Governor General’s Literary Award in Young People’s Literature, Chocolate Lily Award, City […]

SARA DE WAARD is a published author, screenwriter, and educator of Métis descent and is currently in the process of […]

SARA SINCLAIR is an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa, German/Jewish, and British descent. Sara teaches in the Oral History Masters Program […]

Sarabeth Holden lives in Toronto with her husband, Sean, and their sons, Raymond and Jackson. The whole family loves to […]

Sarah was born in Montreal, Canada. After graduating with an honors degree in English literature from McGill University, she moved […]

SARAH RAUGHLEY is a graduate of the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University. Her current research concerns representations […]

SARAH WHANG is a Korean-Canadian illustrator and comic artist based in Toronto. She loves to mix texture and color to […]

Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua are twin sisters living in Ontario, Canada. Born on Diwali 10 minutes apart from each […]

Part existential crisis and part leap of faith, Veronica Antipolo started storytelling and stand-up comedy as hobbies that became such […]

French Illustrator Sebastien Braun studied fine and applied arts at Strasbourg University. He then taught applied arts before becoming a […]

SHAIKARA DAVID is a multidisciplinary Indigenous Artist from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, currently living in Ottawa. She is passionate about […]

From 1978 onward, Sharon, Lois & Bram were preeminent in all aspects of family entertainment across North America and other […]

Sharon, Lois, and Bram are some of Canada’s most popular and loved children’s performers, with fans across the world. Every […]

Sharon Jennings has written over seventy books for young people – picture books, chapter books, novels for reluctant readers, mid-grade […]

Shauntay Grant is an award-winning Canadian writer and multidisciplinary artist. A former poet laureate for the City of Halifax, she is the author […]

Shawn Daley is a Toronto-based cartoonist and chiptunist. His illustrations bring the graphic novel, Better Place, to life!

Sheree Fitch has been a groundbreaking force in the literary arts and literacy community throughout Canada and beyond since 1987. […]

Sherry J. Lee has worked in the book industry for many years, first as a bookseller and then in publishing. […]

SID SHARP is an artist from Toronto who makes drawings, paintings, and comics. Their debut comic The Wolf Suit was […]

Simon Frank is a Hamilton-based artist who utilizes the natural environment as the source of both raw materials and inspiration […]

SITA MACMILLAN is a registered member of Zagime Anishinabek and is of mixed Cree and Scottish background. She has an […]

SONYA BELL grew up obsessed with the Scholastic book fair at her school in Barrie. Her professional writing career began […]

St. John Boy is a gender-bending drag performer in Hamilton, ON. He is the Father of the Häus of the […]

Stagecoach Performing Arts Milton & Burlington is proud to offer high quality performing arts training to kids! Our aim is […]

STEPHANIE COOKE is an award-winning writer of graphic novels such as ParaNorthern, Oh My Gods!, and The Racc Pack series. […]

STEPHANIE SIMPSON MCLELLAN is an award-winning author of six picture books, a mid-grade novel, and an innovative picture book/first reader […]

STEPHANIE SINCLAIR is Publisher of McClelland & Stewart, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada. She is a Cree, Ojibwe, […]

Stephanie Wells is the Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. She has 25+ years’ experience in senior leadership […]

Steven P. Hughes is an award-winning Canadian illustrator whose clients include the Globe and Mail, Reader’s Digest and Scientific American. […]

SUHARU OGAWA is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her love for drawing started in a kindergarten art school after being kicked out […]

SUNSHINE QUEM TENASCO is Anishinabe, from Kitigàn Zìbì Anishinàbe. She is a clean water activist, mother of four and an […]

Les Stroud’s work as a filmmaker, author, and musician has been celebrated around the globe. Credited with creating the survival […]

Susan Aglukark is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a JUNO. She has also won a Governor General’s Performing Arts […]

Susin Nielsen got her start feeding cast and crew on the popular television series Degrassi Junior High. They hated her […]

Suzanne Del Rizzo has always loved getting her hands messy. She traded her job in scientific research for a career […]

Sylv Chiang is a teacher by day and a children’s book author by night. She wrote her middle-grade series, Cross […]

Ever since she was in grade four, Sylvia McNicoll has been writing stories. Now she has over 35 books published […]

Tallulah Fontaine is an illustrator and artist from Edmonton, Alberta. They are now based in Montreal, sometimes Los Angeles. Tallulah […]

Tanaz Bhathena is the author of The Beauty of the Moment, as well as the critically acclaimed A Girl Like […]

Tanya “Tee” Pineda is an emerging Spoken Word poet from Hamilton, Ontario who has just begun her studies in Creative Writing at the […]

TANYA BOTEJU lives on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, British Columbia). Part-time, she […]

TANYA TAGAQ is a Canadian (Inuk) throat singer from Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuutiaq), Nunavut, Canada, on the south coast of Victoria […]

Tara Hungerford and Eric Hogan are a husband-and-wife team who created The Gumboot Kids, an award-winning CBC program for children […]

Ted Staunton wrote his first story as a class assignment at university. He barely handed it in on time, but […]

Teresa Caterini (she/they) is a queer social worker and performer based in Hamilton.  Volunteering with survivors of trauma and working […]

TERRY FAN received his formal art training at Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Canada. His work is […]

THAO LAM is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author/illustrator of Happy Birthday to Me, THAO, My Cat Looks Like My Dad, and The Paper Boat, named […]

The Fan brothers (Terry and Eric) are a perfect mix of artistic talent and wondrous storytelling. Their illustrations include a […]

Thomas King is an award-winning writer and photographer. His critically acclaimed, bestselling fiction includes Medicine River; Green Grass, Running Water; […]

Tiffani Brown is a design artist and illustrator based near Toronto, Ontario.

Tine Modeweg-Hansen was born in Copenhagen, and she completed undergraduate and graduate studies in illustration at Designskolen Kolding. Critics named […]

Tory Woollcott is a cartoonist, writer, literacy educator and advocate who lives in Toronto. Her first graphic novel, Mirror Mind, was […]

Treasa Levasseur is currently the Program and Community Engagement Manager at Folk Alliance International, as well as a JUNO-nominated songwriter […]

Valerie Sherrard was born in 1957 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up in various parts of Canada. Valerie’s sixth […]

Vicki Grant is the author of seventeen books. Her books have consistently garnered her recognition from the American Library Association, […]

VICTORIA EVANS is an illustrator and character designer living in Ontario, Canada. She loves historical fashion, vampires, and all things […]

Saskatchewan author VICTORIA KOOPS never stopped playing make-believe and often writes while wearing a tiara. Her books are full of […]

Vikki VanSickle is a long-time friend of Telling Tales! Vikki returns for a sixth season to share her new middle […]

VIVIAN ZHOU is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Animation program. After working on a multitude of animated shows […]

WAI MEI WONG is a former Early Childhood Educator. Her previously authored works include: Hello, Dark (Pajama Press, 2021), shortlisted […]

An alumnus of RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants, Wali Shah serves his hometown as Poet Laureate for the City of […]

Growing up, Wali Shah faced pressure from his Pakistani-immigrant parents to choose a profession that would justify their many sacrifices. […]

WANDA TAYLOR is the author of fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults. She is also a screenwriter, a […]

WENDY J. WHITTINGHAM is a writer and illustrator who lives in Burlington, Ontario. She illustrated the picture book Miss Wondergem’s Dreadfully Dreadful […]

Wesley King is the author of over a dozen novels for young readers. His debut, OCDaniel, is an Edgar Award […]

Join MEMBERS OF THE WHITE PINE DANCERS, Dan Secord, of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation  AND OJIBWAY STORYTELLER AARON BELL, for a […]

WHITNEY GARDNER is an author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She started drawing stick figures in second grade and somehow no one’s […]

WILLIE POLL is a Métis author, activist, storyteller, and lifelong learner. She is from Sault Ste. Marie, ON and now […]

Y. S. LEE is an award-winning poet and novelist whose first young-adult novel, A Spy in the House, was nominated for an […]

Meet author, Yolanda T. Marshall, as she shares her picture book, Hot Cross Buns for Everyone with us! Yolanda was […]

YUKO SHIMIZU is a multi-award-winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City. She is an instructor at the School of […]

Calling all middle grade readers! Zetta Elliott is the author of over 25 books for young readers, including the award-winning […]