A. Meredith Hughes is Lisa Rogers‘s Mentee

“Meredith's engaging, kid-centered STEM writing hooked me immediately! Her energetic prose and innovative approach makes a complex topic tangible and fun. I'm excited to match with this talented writer for PB Rising Stars!” -Lisa

★

Abby Saunders Nolin is A.J. Irving‘s Mentee

“I’m obsessed with the world Abby created in her submission and I’m so excited to read every project she pitched! I was completely captivated by her fresh concepts and lovable characters. I can’t wait for kiddos to fall in love with Abby’s books!” -A.J.

★

Alison Karmel is Audrey Perrott‘s Mentee

“Alison's manuscript immediately grabbed me with its premise, voice, and laugh-out-loud potential. I couldn't stop thinking about how fun it would be as a read-aloud and what JOY it will bring to kids!” -Audrey

★

Andrea Wickert is Andrew Hacket‘s Mentee

“I was immediately hooked by Andrea’s manuscript and its potential to be hilarious! She clearly understands children and is dedicated to succeeding in this industry. I can’t wait to collaborate with her to help elevate her manuscripts to the next level and get them submission ready.” -Andrew

★

Angel Trazo is Steph Littlebird‘s Mentee

"​​Angel's work stands out for many reasons, the role that culture and history play in her art is very powerful and represents a community that is often underrepresented in the colonial-American zeitgeist​." -Steph

★

Anjum Mir is M.O. Yuksel‘s Mentee

“Anjum has a gift for creating vivid imagery through her writing. She has many creative ideas, and I’m excited to support her growth as a writer.” -M.O. Yuksel

★

Anousha Vakani is Nadia L. Hohn‘s Mentee

"As soon as I read Anousha's description, I said, 'Oooooo. This story will be good.' Her writing style is immersive and descriptive. It felt unique to her community and yet universal. I imagine many of my students reading and embracing this story." -Nadia

★

Anya-Kaye Francis is Patty Cisneros Prevo‘s Mentee

“I felt an immediate connection to Anya-Kaye Francis as I read through her application. Wow, so many parallels stood out to me both in her writing and in her identities. As women of color and wheelchair users, we both want to center disability identity and intersectionality in our stories. I am beyond excited to mentor Anya-Kaye! Her voice and perspective are needed in this industry, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help in that process.” -Patty

★

Ashley Roh is Lian Cho‘s Mentee

"Ashley's application was so fantastic it made me want to scream and shout from the rooftops! Her lyrical prose paired with her wonderful characters and design charmed me from the beginning. Ashley has such an exciting way of examining the world around us and crafting stories that are both imaginative but relatable for readers young and old. I think she has so much potential to go far and become a strong new voice in the world of picture books." -Lian

★

Caroline Wu is Jasmine Fang‘s Mentee

“Caroline writes with rare emotional precision and so much heart. I love that she uses writing as a platform for change and can’t wait to see her impactful stories out in the world.” -Jasmine

★

Chayanid Siripaiboolpong is Adam Rex‘s Mentee

“Chayanid's illustrations take my breath away. And she seems to have this sensibility that is everything at once: warm and lonely and cute and funny and heartbreaking. I want to hear her voice, and I want you to hear it, too. Honestly, I'm just angling to get thanked by her at an awards ceremony someday.” -Adam

★

Diyana Wan is Nada Shawish Dutka‘s Mentee

“Diyana Wan's writing has both heart and rhythm. I was immediately drawn into her daring tale which felt bold and untold. She is blending Malay folklore, rhyme, and whimsy with a universal message, and I am so excited to get to be a part of her publishing journey!” -Nada

★

Emma Eubanks is Gwendolyn Wallace‘s Mentee

“Emma's manuscript immediately drew me in, and reading her inspiration sealed the deal for me! All her ideas are so creative, love-filled, thoughtful, and needed on bookshelves everywhere (mine included). I can't wait to embrace magic, rhythm, and a bit of weirdness together this summer. Plus, her illustrations are incredible!” -Gwendolyn

★

Erica Chung is Jenna Elyse Johnson‘s Mentee

“Erica's manuscript title caught my eye right away! And I haven't stopped thinking about her story since I read it. Her writing is lyrical, lovely, and kid-centric. I'm excited to work with Erica and see how her career grows!” -Jenna

★

Hannah Rayner is Julia Mills‘s Mentee

“Hannah started her pitch with "The Dogs are planning a heist" and I was immediately hooked. I can't wait to see how she develops these sneaky (and not so sneaky) pups into a story that will have everyone giggling.” -Julia

★

Hauʻolihiwahiwa Moniz is Kim Rogers‘ Mentee

“Hauʻolihiwahiwa’s love of education, community, and culture stood out to me. I see a lot of beauty, passion, and potential in her writing. Looking forward to working with her and seeing where her future leads!” -Kim

★

Heather Jenkins is Tonya Duncan Ellis‘s Mentee

“Heather's manuscript captured my attention immediately. The topic is fun and intriguing, and I'm also excited about the other picture book ideas she mentioned in her application. Heather has been working hard to develop her craft. I'm excited to guide her in making her unique story even more resonant and marketable.” -Tonya

★

Indya McGuffin is Caroline Kusin Pritchard‘s Mentee

“Indya McMuffin knocked the wind right out of me. I am blown away by what a passionate, creative self-starter she is in all areas of her life, and was deeply moved by the literacy program she created to support her community and anchor her understanding of the picture book form. Indya’s curiosity, humility and talent vibrated throughout her application and drew me right into her storytelling... not to mention that our mutual love for the revision process was the perfect cherry on top! I’m buzzing at the opportunity to dive into Indya’s manuscripts alongside her, and I can’t wait to cheer her on throughout her career in storytelling.” -Caroline

★

Isha Jog Keuper is Sita Singh‘s Mentee

“Isha’s voice drew me in right away with its sincerity and heart. I was especially excited by the rich cultural setting and the strong visual potential in her manuscript. I’m thrilled to champion Isha’s voice and help her storytelling truly shine!” -Sita

★

Jessica Ruan is Andrea Wang‘s Mentee

“Jessica's writing and art thrum with heart and honesty. I was captivated from the start. I can't wait for readers to be as enthralled with her rich and poignant storytelling as I am!” -Andrea

★

Joanna Szeto is Sylvia Chen‘s Mentee

“I especially enjoyed the creative arc and purposeful yet non-didactic theme crafted in the manuscript Joanna submitted, and I felt drawn to the additional work she has in the works too. I’m excited to collaborate with Joanna as my #PBRisingStars mentee—not only because of the cultural connection we share, but also her ability to pinpoint unique premises in her story ideas. It’s going to be such an honor to work with Joanna and support her as she advances in her publishing journey!” -Sylvia

★

Jyn Hall is Melissa Cristina Marquez‘s Mentee

“I’m so excited to mentor Jyn Hall! Her picture book FIR-EVER HOME transforms a Christmas tree’s journey into a beautiful story about conservation, adaptation, and discovering purpose in unexpected places. I can’t wait to help shape this heartfelt environmental story to one that will be the perfect gift under someone's very own Christmas tree.” -Melissa

★

Keela R. L. Lupton is Pasha Westbrook‘s Mentee

“I'm beyond delighted to work with Keela! Her beautiful poetic voice captured my literary senses from the first line while the inspiration behind her story captured my heart. I cannot wait for readers to hold her gorgeously touching story in their hands!” -Pasha

★

Kevin C. Staton is Charles R. Smith Jr.‘s Mentee

“Kevin's knowledge as a history teacher and passion for storytelling made him stand out among tough competition. He brought a fresh approach to a popular topic and I look forward to helping him completing his unique vision. “ -Charles

★

Lama Mohamed is Aya Ghanameh‘s Mentee

“Lama's storytelling is incredibly heartfelt. I was especially drawn to the emotional depth of her submission, and her illustration style. Lama brings a strong sense of perspective and care to her work, and I can’t wait to support her in developing her submission into the meaningful picture book that it is!” -Aya

★

Michael Kokozos is Michael Genhart‘s Mentee

“"Hey, Michael! At age 15, on a pink post-it note, you wrote a goal: I want to be a children's book writer. I'd like to help you get there. You have the background, drive, direction, desire, and heart. Let's answer your younger self with a compelling story filled with feeling and depth!!” -Michael

★

Michele Kirichanskaya is Lesléa Newman‘s Mentee

“As soon as I read Michele Kirichanskay's first line, I was hooked! The narrator's voice is compelling, and the story is fascinating. Her use of language is subtle yet brilliant. This manuscript has so much potential to become a page-turner that young readers and grownups alike will return to again and again and I am so excited to help Michele bring this project to life!” -Lesléa

★

Mona Mustafa is Namita Moolani Mehra‘s Mentee

“I couldn't stop thinking about Mona's manuscript from the first moment I read it. It's such an important story, and she is the perfect person to tell it. Mona is looking to make a difference in the world and shed a light on children whose stories need to be amplified most. I am excited to support her on this important journey and mission!” -Namita

★

Monica Freeman is Patricia Tanumihardja‘s Mentee

“Monica’s application jumped out at me from the moment I first started reading. Not only is her manuscript funny and whip-smart, she says this story is her heart and a piece of her history, two very important reasons why I write the stories I write as well. I’d love to be her chosen “family” that gets her and supports her.” -Patricia

★

Morgan Holloman-McDonald is Janelle Harper‘s Mentee

“Morgan's vivid storytelling drew me in immediately! You can feel all the love and heart woven throughout her story. I am a huge fan of how she beautifully creates a world you want to relish in. Her passion for telling dynamic stories about families will surely be gift to the book community. I am beyond excited to help guide Morgan in her author journey!” -Janelle

★

Phoenix Richards is Nadia Fisher‘s Mentee

“Phoenix's artwork has a certain whimsy that drew me in immediately. I can't wait to work with her to further develop her storytelling techniques, and I'm sure we'll be seeing her beautiful illustrations on bookshelves in the future!” -Nadia

★

Rachelle Allan is Kathryn Rammell‘s Mentee

“Rachelle creates such lovable characters that you immediately want to know what their story is. I'm so excited to work with her to help bring their stories to life!” -Kathryn

★

Radhika Nair is Kate Allen Fox‘s Mentee

“Radhika's twist on an eclipse story hits so many wonderful and unexpected notes. She layers themes of grandmotherly love, overcoming fear, and the life-changing power of the natural world--all in a child-focused and beautifully-told way. I can't wait to begin our PBRS journey!” -Kate

★

Ramya Mohanakrishnan is Ana Siqueira‘s Mentee

“Ramya's stories are funny, clever, innovative. Such original concepts. But what I loved the most about her stories is how she incorporates her culture in an organic way. Funny and cultural is a big win for me.” -Ana

★

Raqshinda Khan is Natasha Khan Kazi‘s Mentee

"Raqshinda’s writing is full of heart, identity, and joy, with a strong sense of voice. Her background as a teacher truly shines in her understanding of young readers, and she’s driven and ready to grow her craft. I’m so excited to support her in shaping her stories. We need more Bengali Muslim voices in kid lit, and I can’t wait to see hers take up space." -Natasha

★

Raquel Romero Maksoud is Sara Holly Ackerman‘s Mentee

“I kept returning to Raquel's manuscript again and again. It's upbeat and silly and delightfully strange. I'm looking forward to helping her achieve her vision with this story.” -Sara

★

Roji Maharjan is Anne Appert‘s Mentee

“Roji’s application grabbed my attention completely and wholly. Their goals for their work and this mentorship reflect a self awareness that artists often don’t have, yet is critical for growth as a creator. Most importantly, their work shines with a joy, originality, and authenticity that is needed in this industry. I am thrilled to be a small part of Roji’s journey through PBRising Stars!” -Anne

★

Régine Théodat is Livia Blackburne‘s Mentee

"Régine's manuscript tugged at my heartstrings with its imagery, lyricism, and poignant depiction of familial love. I admire her work ethic, thoughtfulness and dedication to sharing her culture with the next generation. I am soooo excited and honored to work with her!” -Livia

★

Salma Ali is Jenny Alvarado‘s Mentee

“Salma's application piqued my interest instantly. Her words and art brought me so much joy. She has clear goals and a passion for the industry that I admire. I can't wait to work with her to reach her publishing dreams!” -Jenny

★

Vaness Olivia Cox is Jackie Morera‘s Mentee

“Vaness's storytelling voice is exceptional and her characters a complete delight. I chose to partner with her because I want to read more Vaness Olivia Cox stories, and I know readers one day will feel the same!” -Jackie

★

Congratulations, 2026 Mentees!

You’ll get an email soon with exciting information about next steps.

Keep scrolling to see the 2026 Runners-Up…