We All Have Gifts and Talents

Jean Reidy’s award-winning books for children have earned their spots as favorites among readers of all ages. She is the author of many picture books, including Truman, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Winner and Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner that was included on numerous best of the year lists, including the New York Times and NPR. She now lives in Chicago and is endlessly inspired by her children and grandchildren.Lynnor Bontigao was born and raised in Manila in the Philippines and now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two kids. She studied programming and worked at a major financial firm for fifteen years before realizing her heart was with children’s books. She is the author/illustrator of Sari-Sari Summer and the illustrator of several picture books, including The World’s Best Class Plant.

Lynnor Bontigao grew up in Manila and is the author-illustrator of the picture book SARI-SARI SUMMERS, a nostalgic love letter to the Philippines, her homeland, and to grandmothers, and includes a bonus sweet recipe. She also illustrated one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Picture Books of 2023, THE WORLD’S BEST CLASS PLANT by award-winning authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, as well as SEASHELL KEY, a new chapter book series by Lourdes Heuer, deemed by Parents Magazine as a 2024 Ultimate Summer Reading book. Lynnor is also the illustrator of several other picture books including MILES AHEAD by Minh Lê, AT THE END OF THE DAY by Lisl Detlefsen, KAILANI’S GIFT by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, YOU ARE REVOLUTIONARY by Cindy Wang Brandt, JACK & AGYU by Justine Villanueva, and more. Lynnor loves stories with heart and humor, especially where relationships, culture, and food are intertwined.