The Extraordinary Power of Picture Books Author Panel

Saturday, November 5, 2022
 • 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Illustrated texts are ageless. Timeless. Limitless. Join award-winning children's literature creators Andrea Wang, Dow Phumiruk, and Beth Anderson as they unlock some of the hidden powers of picture books. This panel is perfect for educators, parents, and older kids who want to discover the powers of picture books can inspire at home or in the classroom.

Copies of the authors' books can be reserved at registration. A limited number of additional books will be available for purchase that evening.

Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and starred reviews. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She is also the author of seven nonfiction titles for the library and school market. Andrea holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of Tad Lincoln's Restless Wriggle, “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses, Lizzie Demands a Seat!, and An Inconvenient Alphabet. Beth has more historical gems on the way.

Dow Phumiruk is an award-winning author/illustrator of children's picture books. She was born in Bangkok, Thailand and immigrated to the United States while still a young child. Dow’s illustration debut, Maya Lin (Christy Ottaviano Books; 2017), a collaboration with Jeanne Walker Harvey, garnered numerous accolades; in part, a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, and an Amazon Best Book of the Year. Since then, with 15 books published and/or to come, including illustrations for One Girl, written by New York Times best-selling author of the Questioneers series, Andrea Beaty, Dow's work has received starred reviews and awards. Most notably, Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker (Christy Ottaviano Books) is a 2019 Cook Prize recipient and slated to be read by an astronaut from the International Space Station. She has been a member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators since 2011. Dow is represented by East West Literary Agency. In addition, Dow is a clinically retired general pediatrician and teaches medical students part time. She lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with her family and enjoys sewing and light hiking.