Authors & Illustrators

Mary Ann Domanska

Author

Mary Ann Domanska is a children's book author with a passion for creating stories that inspire young readers. With a background in education, Mary Ann crafts tales that combine imagination with valuable life lessons. Her books often feature curious protagonists who embark on adventures of self-discovery.

Mary Ann has been teaching at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy for 22 years and has a background in performing arts. When not writing, she enjoys camping with her dog, Penny.

Yaga Brady

Author

Yaga Brady is a writer and longtime theater director based in Philadelphia, where she has been a vital force at The Stagecrafters for many years. Born in Eastern Europe, Brady draws deeply from her cultural heritage and artistic experience to craft stories that explore memory, identity, and the quiet resilience of survival.

Her decades of directing have shaped her narrative voice—introspective, layered, and richly attuned to the emotional truths of human experience. I Was A Willow is her debut novel.

George Amadeus

Illustrator

George Amadeus is a Maasai art teacher and artist based in Nairobi, known for his vibrant and imaginative artwork. He creates whimsical depictions of animals and expressive still lifes, blending paint with traditional African fabric to add texture and depth to his canvases.

Originally from the small village of Lemong'o, George draws inspiration from his cultural heritage and the world around him, bringing a unique and dynamic perspective to his work.

Gabriela Guadalajara

Illustrator

Gabriela Guadalajara is a luthier by profession based in New York City but has been a painter her whole life without formal training. She has a passion for color and enjoys making some of her paints from scratch, using pure pigments and different mediums. She always has characters in her mind, keeps drawing them and loves experimenting and learning with different techniques to bring them to life. Originally from Mexico, she also brings the color influence of the culture she grew up in. Music and art have been an essential part of her life.

Larry West

Book Designer

Larry West brings our books to life through thoughtful and creative design. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of how visual elements enhance storytelling, Larry crafts book layouts that are both beautiful and functional.

His design work ensures that our books are not just stories, but complete artistic experiences that engage readers from cover to cover.