Meet the 2024
PB Rising Stars Team

  • www.ebonylynnmudd.com

    Sign up for Ebony’s on-demand writing courses: https://www.thepbretreat.com/

    Ebony Lynn Mudd writes picture books and novels for underrepresented kids who don’t see themselves portrayed positively in the media. Her upcoming picture book, Junior Takes a Leap, will be illustrated by Pure Belpré and Coretta Scott King Honor artist C.G Esperanza and published by Scholastic.

    Ebony spends her time fighting fiercely against inequalities, toxic masculinity, and gender stereotypes. As a former professional dancer and current owner of a tuition-free dance company, she is a bridge for underprivileged kids that hope to work in the arts. She’s energized by the creative freedom that choreographing moves to music gives her and often compares it to crafting stories on a blank page.

    Her other interests include all-you-can-eat sushi, quoting Phoebe from the T.V. show FRIENDS, and eating anything edible that she didn’t have to cook. She is a co-founder of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship program, the creator of picture book writing courses, and sells her own writing-inspired merch through www.ebonylynnmudd.com.

    Ebony is represented by Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

  • www.kaileipewbooks.com

    Purchase THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED here.

    Kailei Pew is a wife, mother, and children's book author represented by the amazing Emily Forney of Bookends Literary.

    She writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books and middle grade novels. While her focus is on traditionally published books, she also does work for hire projects on the side, and has completed work for KiwiCo Press and Scholastic.

    Kailei is an active member of SCBWI, the creator of the Kid’s Choice KidLit Writing Contest, and the co-founder of the PBRisingStars Mentorship Program.

    Kailei loves writing picture books that help kids see they can do anything they set their minds to.

What is the 2024 PB Rising Stars Planning Committee?

FUN FACT: All planning committee members have served as PB Rising Stars Mentors or Mentees.

The Planning Committee holds an integral role within PB Rising Stars, tasked with foreseeing, orchestrating, and navigating all facets of strategic development. Their major responsibilities include analyzing what worked and what didn’t work in previous years, setting objectives for the future, and crafting action plans - all with the common goal of fostering the growth and advancement of PB Rising Stars. 

Their tasks range from assessing the feasibility of new initiatives to ensuring that every decision aligns with the overall mission and vision of the program. Collaboration being at their core, the committee works hand-in-hand with the co-founders to streamline operations and ensure harmonious functioning. By meticulously managing and planning ahead, our Planning Committee serves as the backbone of our program, shaping its path toward sustained success.

Meet the 2024 Planning Committee

  • Tonya Abari

    Tonya Abari writes a mixed bag of nonfiction, humor, lyrical, slice-of-life fiction, and folktales/fairytales from the diaspora. Tonya is represented by Natalie Lakosil of Looking Glass Media and Literary.

    Tonya’s board books and picture books include LOCS, NOT DREADS, Innovation Press (‘23); LET’S CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH, Mudpuppy Books (‘23); MY HAIR, MY CROWN, Mudpuppy Books ('22); A SANTA LIKE ME, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ('25); and THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT EIGHT, HarperCollins ('25).

  • Anne Appert

    Anne (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary storyteller who uses whimsy and humor to inspire and connect with readers on their own journeys towards becoming their most authentic selves.

    Anne holds a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Their artwork has won several awards from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, including a portfolio honor in the 2021 Winter Conference Portfolio Showcase.

    Anne’s author/illustrator debut BLOB published with HarperCollins in 2021. Their next picture book that they wrote and illustrated WHAT IF YOU WISH? will publish with HarperCollins in March of 2024.

    Anne is an active member in their local SCBWI chapter, where they volunteer as the Illustrator Coordinator. In the past, they volunteered as a moderator for the #KidLitArt chat on twitter. When not working on picture books and graphic novels, Anne teaches digital painting at Montclair State University.

    Anne finds inspiration in childhood memories, the outdoors, anything colorful (particularly the color yellow), and visits with their niblings. When not teaching or creating books for children, Anne enjoys dying their hair every color of the rainbow, making stickers, and teaching themself how to roller-skate.

  • Sylvia Chen

    A New Yorker now living in the Seattle area with her husband and two sons, Sylvia Chen is an Asian American children’s book author represented by Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Birch Path Literary. Sylvia is a member of SCBWI and 12x12, a 2019 PBChat mentee of Pam Calvert, a 2021 #PBParty finalist, a 2022/2023/2024 #PBParty judge (and behind-the-scenes Ninja Rockstar), and the creator of #PBStudyBuddy, which features amazing picture book creators and mentor texts on Twitter/X and Instagram each week.

    Ever so excited about her upcoming debut picture book TRICKY CHOPSTICKS (March 19, 2024; Atheneum/Simon & Schuster), Sylvia loves crafting picture books that spark kids’ interest in STEAM and creative thinking.

    She often stays up late into the night puzzling away with wordplay and working on quirky ideas. Sylvia was a #PBRisingStars mentor in its inaugural 2022 year and loved returning as a mentor in 2023 too.

  • Jasmine Fang

    Jasmine Fang is a Taiwanese American writer and federal civil servant. With a deep commitment to community building and amplifying minority voices, Jasmine's work reflects her motto to "livekind." She's worked in international affairs and higher education, and now develops future leaders in government.

    Jasmine writes to celebrate the strength of the human spirit and for more children to see themselves reflected on the page. She's a 2022 PBRisingStars Mentee, awarded a SCBWI BIPOC Scholarship, and Courage to Create Scholarship.

    Jasmine is represented by the CAT Agency. She currently lives in California with her husband and son.

  • Trenise Ferreira

    TRENISE FERREIRA is a Jamaican-American writer who has been telling stories her entire career: as a college football journalist, a publicist at Walt Disney World Resort, and currently as a corporate communications professional and children’s book author. When Trenise was in third grade, her teacher said that she should write books when she grew up – and Mrs. Buckner got it right! Wonder and imagination are at the heart of Trenise’s stories, creating worlds where children can get lost between the pages and laugh and learn along the way.

    An active member of the SCBWI Los Angeles chapter, Trenise is also a graduate of the Children’s Book Academy and The Voice Roadmap writing programs. She was selected as an inaugural mentee for the 2022 Picture Book Rising Stars program and is currently a 2023 We Need Diverse Books mentee. Most recently, she won the SCBWI 2023 Ann Whitford Paul Most Promising Manuscript (Fiction) Award. Trenise is represented by Hilary Harwell at KTLiterary.

  • Janelle Harper

    Janelle Harper is a Bronx native who proudly carries her New York accent anywhere she goes.

    She finds inspiration in city living and the diverse experiences of the African Diaspora. As a children’s book author, Janelle is passionate about representation.

    She hopes to create stories that make children fall more in love with themselves. She is drawn to stories that are lyrical, multi-generational or showcase non-traditional storytelling structures.

    Janelle comes from a long line of educators. She is a veteran New York City public school teacher who is dedicated to providing equitable education and opportunities for Black and brown children. She can often be found in her dance studio, blasting music, yelling 5-6-7-8, and preparing students for elaborate productions.

    Janelle is a member of SCBWI, a member of Black Creators HQ, a 2022 DVMentor, a 2021 #PBParty finalist and a 2020 #FallWritingFrenzy winner. She is represented by Lindsay Auld of Writers House.

  • Maria Marianayagam

    Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan-Canadian children's book author. She was born in India and grew up in Nigeria and four provinces across Canada. Maria is a former chemical engineer who fell in love with children’s books (again!) after becoming an Amma (mom). Maria enjoys writing lyrical picture books centered on STEM, faith, and South Asian culture, as well as high concept middle-grade grounded in culture. The first two installments of her debut board book series, BABY HOPE and BABY COURAGE (WorthyKids/Hachette), and her debut picture book THE AMAZING POWER OF GIRLS (Sourcebooks eXplore) release in 2024, with more books to come!

    When Maria is not writing, she can be found traveling the world, devouring books, and spending time with her wonderful family. She resides in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and two daughters. Find out more at marianayagam.com and follow her on Instagram and X @MSMarianayagam.

  • Anna Orenstein-Cardona

    Anna Orenstein-Cardona is a bilingual Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), Wealth Coach, and Children's Author. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spent over two decades working in finance in the USA and Europe, before turning to writing for children.

    Her debut picture book, The Tree of Hope, was published in 2022 by Beaming Books and was awarded a STAR by the School Library Journal. It was also recognized as one of the “Best Children’s Book of the Year – 2023 edition” by Bank Street College of Education.

    Anna shares her passion for financial literacy, creativity, and empowerment through her financial education & coaching business Wear Your Money Crown®.

  • Kathryn Rammell

    Kathryn Rammell is a writer and illustrator of children’s books.

    Inspired by the quirky imagination of her youth as well as the adventures she goes on with her children, her work aims to bring humor and joy. Recent achievements include winning the 2022 KSMO SCBWI’s Portfolio Showcase, being selected as a PB Rising Stars Mentee, and winning an Honorable Mention for KidLit411’s Banner Design Contest.

    When not writing or illustrating, Kathryn can be found planning road trips to National Parks or beach hopping down the Pacific Coast Highway. Kathryn is represented by Christie Megill at The CAT Agency.

  • Cristina Raymer

    Cristina has had either her nose in a book or a pen on paper since she was six years old, leading her to a master's degree in literacy and a career teaching high school English. Now, she's chasing her dream to become a published kidlit author and provide children with books that touch their hearts and make them laugh.

    When Cristina isn't reading or writing, she can be found in her kitchen in Upstate NY, whipping up desserts for her husband and two young daughters.

  • Marcus Trujillo

    Marcus Trujillo (he/him) is an enrolled tribal member with the Pueblo of Laguna in affiliation with the Village of Paraje.

    Marcus began graphic design and illustration with the focus to give back to his community through creative-visual expression. Merging design with passions for social and environmental justice, Marcus moves forward with skill sets to provide accurate Pueblo-Indigenous representation through digital artwork.

    Marcus carries the work as a Graphic Designer and illustrator for the Office of Laguna Learning located in Laguna Pueblo; along with graphic design and illustration for local organization Indigenous Educators. This work is meaningful to Marcus because he believes that art is powerful and has the ability to make a positive impact on Indigenous communities and communities of color at large.