Welcoming Spring…with New Friends!
Each year, IRW onboards new authors and illustrators of books for children to participate in our programs. Books and their makers are chosen by our School Programs team through a process that ensures they’re well matched to our partner schools. We always look forward to introducing new friends to creative, curious kids, talented teachers, and the beauty of rural Maine.
Check out the lineup of new authors & illustrators who will be touring with us this spring!
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Evan Griffith is the award-winning author of the middle-grade novels Manatee Summer and The Strange Wonders of Roots and the picture book biographies Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist and Wild at Heart: The Story of Olaus and Mardy Murie, Defenders of Nature. His books have received the Green Earth Book Award and the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award, been featured on several state award lists, and earned multiple starred reviews, among other honors. |
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Ryan Bani Tahmaseb is a veteran educator who has served as a school librarian, English teacher, and academic advisor. In 2023, he established my own company, Pinestar Educational, through which he offers private tutoring and academic coaching, creative writing mentorship, curriculum development, educational consulting, and editing services. He specialize in supporting twice-exceptional (“2e”) students, particularly those with ADHD. Ryan is also an author. His debut picture book, Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen (illustrated by Fateme Mokhles), is based on a memorable experience his father had as a young Iranian-American immigrant, was published in summer 2024 by Charlesbridge. |
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Holly Thompson is an author originally from Massachusetts, but for over twenty-five years she’s lived, worked, and raised a family in Japan. She now goes back and forth between Japan and the U.S. and her books reflect this bilingual, insider-outsider, cross-cultural life. Holly has worked on picture book biographies, poetry books, J>E kidlit translations, a dual narrative YA novel, and a middle grade historical fantasy. |
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Rob Harrell is the author of the middle grade novel Wink, the Life of Zarf series and the graphic novel Monster on the Hill, which was adapted into the animated film Rumble. In addition, Harrell created the comic strip Big Top and now writes and draws the daily strip Adam@Home. Harrell recently wrote and illustrated the graphic novels Batpig: When Pigs Fly, Batpig: Too Pig To Fail, and Batpig: Go Pig or Go Home. His latest middle grade novel, Popcorn, comes out September 3rd, 2024. Harrell lives in Zionsville, Indiana with his dog, Shepler. |
