2026 Attending Authors List!
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Marc BrownMarc Brown is the recipient of the 2026 Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Award! He will receive this honor during the 2026 Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival in November in Mansfield, MO.
Marc Brown is an acclaimed American author and illustrator best known as the creator of the beloved *Arthur* book series. Since the publication of *Arthur’s Nose* in 1976, he has written dozens of books that have inspired generations of young readers with relatable stories about kindness, family, and growing up. Brown also helped create the award-winning PBS animated television series *Arthur*, which aired in more than 80 countries and earned numerous Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. His enduring contributions to children's literature and illustration have made him one of the most influential creators of books for young readers. |
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Suzanna Lynn Author Suzanna Lynn is a Missouri-based writer, creative entrepreneur, and full-time mom of three, living with her family in a small town tucked among the rolling hills of the Ozarks.
Suzanna is the author of more than twenty books, including fantasy and young adult fiction, children’s books (including her Buddy the Blue Corgi series), and practical author workbooks designed to support both creative writing and the business side of publishing. Her work blends imagination, heart, and a touch of darkness appropriate for young readers, often re-envisioning familiar stories while celebrating courage, curiosity, and hope. |
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Kimbra KernFor over 15 years, Kimbra has dedicated herself to writing children’s books, a hobby sparked by her pets; heartwarming anecdotes. Her passion for this craft has led her to publish several articles in the LaJoie quarterly publication, a collection of stories by various authors dedicated to animals and the learning they inspire. Among her published works is “My Callie Girl: Wayward Dog Extraordinaire,” a nonfiction story about a rescue dog’s journey as a school-based therapy dog.
Sweet Pea, a local rescue dog, was the muse behind her book, “The Magic of Sweet Pea." This heartwarming tribute to Sweet Pea's impact on the community is a testament that writing becomes effortless when it's about something you deeply understand and love. Her story gave her the confidence to publish her first children's book. |
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Shelley MitchellShelley Mitchell was born in Paola, Kansas, and moved with her family to Windsor, Missouri when she was 10. She graduated high school there. Inspired by her mother, who was an author, Shelley loved going to college classes with her.
As an adult, she attended Drury College in Cabool, Missouri. For a short time, she wrote a column called Peechz Pen for the Cabool Enterprise newspaper. Shelley wrote Brave Bandanas for her son when he had a high school assignment. He later passed away in his sleep from heart failure at the age of 22. She has since written several poems about her children, as well as a lullaby included in her book Pink with Envy / The Kindergarten Koala. |
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Jill PietroburgoResiding in the foothills of the Ozarks with her husband, Phil, Jill Pietroburgo, M.S.Ed., cherishes family, faith, and the gift of meaningful connections across generations. Since 1989, Jill has devoted her career to early childhood education and mental health services, supporting children and families, including families of young children with disabilities.
Jill is the author of "Sometimes Grandma Calls Me Jean," an award-winning book that has received several honors and recognitions, and "From Your Hands to My Heart: The Positive Power of Touch." Through heartfelt stories inspired by her personal experiences and professional journey, Jill encourages children and adults alike to embrace compassion, connection, and the simple acts of love that can leave lasting impressions on the heart. When Jill isn’t working on her next book idea, you may find her sitting on her back porch with a cup of coffee, soaking in the sunshine with a beloved pet nearby—or, even better, making memories and playing with her grandchildren. For Jill, the greatest stories are often found in the everyday moments shared with the people we love. |
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Darla NobleDarla Noble is a Missouri girl through and through. Born in Jefferson City, which is the state capital, she lived most of her life in Rolla, MO before moving to a small town just outside of Springfield, MO a few years ago. Darla has been writing inspirational nonfiction, historical nonfiction, memoirs, Bible studies, parenting/family resources, and curriculum for over twenty-eight years. Darla’s popularity as an author, ghostwriter, and speaker come from her ability to entertain, encourage and educate through storytelling and practical advice. Her faith, wit, and wisdom are enjoyed by readers across the United States, Australia, Asia, and Europe.
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Delores Topliff Delores grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest at the end of the Oregon Trail along the Columbia River. That beautiful setting echoes with the adventures of frontier and WWII heroes and heroines that need to be retold. So far, they’ve inspired three of her four historic novels and shaped personal adventures for her, too.
When she's not writing, teaching, or speaking, she enjoys her sons’ families and five grandchildren. Travel remains her favorite means of education, and she also continues more adventures like gently collecting quills from live porcupines to make jewelry or master other wilderness crafts. |
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Jennia D'LimaJennia D'Lima started collecting words as a kid and never stopped.
Some were big and brainy (thanks, psychology degree!), some were ancient and magical (ask her about pre-colonial Mesoamerica!), and some were just plain fun. These days, she helps other people's stories shine while still dreaming up new ones of her own. When Jennia's not playing with punctuation, she's off adventuring, camera in hand and snacks in her bag. |
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Nicole Martin-MyersNicole Martin-Myers is a children's author from Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks, who loves folklore,
storytelling, and creating books that encourage imagination and curiosity. Inspired by stories she read to her children and from her Cherokee heritage, Nicole began writing stories that explore friendship, nature, and discovery. Through storytelling, she hopes to encourage children to dream, imagine, and discover the stories inside their own hearts. |
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Rachel JohnsonMissouri based author, Rachel N. Johnson has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 14 years. She currently has three titles in her Mrs. Johnson series. When she is not teaching or writing, she enjoys participating in her local community theater productions, teaching Zumba, and spending time with her husband, Tyler and their daughter, Charlotte.
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