Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuit writer and educator originally from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Nadia is passionate about preserving the traditional Inuit lifestyle and Inuktitut language so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Nadia currently lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with her family.
Shawna Thomson grew up in southern Ontario but has called Nunavut home since 2011 when she moved to Taloyoak. She currently works as an educator in Iqaluit, where she lives with her husband and their two dogs. Since moving to Nunavut, she has always been fascinated by stories of the giants and the little people. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys running, yoga, going hiking with her dogs, or reading historical fiction.
Valentina Jaskina always wanted to be an artist. As a child, she painted on the walls of her parents' house. She dreamed of illustrating books or drawing cartoons. In her school years, she studied at a children's art school and then studied classical drawing, painting, and graphic design at the Novosibirsk Art College. She lives in Siberia with her husband, two daughters, and their funny dog Waffle. The world of children and their vivid emotions and unbridled imaginations are an endless source of inspiration for her work.
Rachel Rupke has a Masters of Education degree from OISE and over ten years of experience working in education as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, curriculum developer, and educational consultant. Rachel has loved to write for as long as she can remember and is passionate about helping children find their writing voice. Rachel lives with her partner Dave in Toronto.
Ali Hinch has been working as a full-time illustrator and designer in educational kids’ literature since getting her degree in illustration from Sheridan College. She’s also dabbled in puppet concepts, set design, storyboarding, and writing for animation. Currently living in Toronto, she spends a lot of time drinking iced tea and making new dog friends.
