Author Affiliates

Rebecca created Wheellustrated Tales in 2021 to write and publish picture books with the goal of normalizing disabilities in children’s literature. She holds degrees in both Early Childhood Education (B.A. Yeshiva University) & Literacy (M.A. Teachers College, Columbia University), and has experience teaching English as a Second Language. Originally from New York, Rebecca now lives in Modi’in, Israel with her husband and two children. 

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Visit wheellustratedtales.com and follow Rebecca on social media – Wheellustrated Tales! (@wheellustratedtales)

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As superhero good-deed-doers, Zee & Nina transform into Super Wheels & Super Sidekick Sister (or "Triple S" for short) whenever a good deed needs doing. One day, while playing at the park, Zee & Nina hear their friend Zoey call for help. They spring into action, encouraging Zoey to become her own superhero as they work together to figure out who stole Zoey's book.

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Purchase this book here​

Julie Schanke Lyford is the award-winning author of “Katy Has Two Grampas”, the bestselling book about growing up in a diverse family. A lifelong activist, Julie was trained by Minnesota United For All Families to deliver her story to help pass the Freedom to Marry Act. She travels around the country to speak to crowds of all types. Julie lives in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, with her husband Rafe, kiddos Katherine (Katy)  and Adien (Adi) and their rescue dog, Wallace - better know as Barky McBarkypants.

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Learn more at: https://julieschankelyford.com

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Adi's Animal Adventures is a children’s picture book featuring a non-binary middle schooler who will introduce you to lots of fun animals, sharing fascinating animal facts along the way. Join Adi as they teach readers how to care for the school’s hundreds of unique animals, including an octopus and a Sulcata Tortoise named Squishy. Readers of all ages will enjoy this beautifully illustrated book, which is as fun as it is educational. 

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Pre-order this book here

For Erin, love is in the air. As an international airline pilot, a dog Mom, and an affiliate with animal-rescue flight services, literary seeds were planted. Erin Mariah Murphy began flying at age fourteen in Scranton, Pa. She financially paid for her flying lessons, used personal fundraisers to pay for Space Camp attendance, and to race in the all-women's, Air Race Classic. She holds a Flight Operations B.S. degree from Daniel Webster College. Currently, Erin lives in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with her husband and their adored rescue dog, Zeke.

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Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinmurphybooks

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HALFWAY HOME is a picture book based on the true story of the author’s, unorthodox rescue pup, Zeke, and his journey to finding his forever family. It is a wonderful new perspective into how aviation helps animal rescue and adoptions all over the country. Furthermore, it acknowledges life’s challenges regarding acceptance, anxiety, and physical/behavioral social norms. 

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HALFWAY HOME is inspired by real events. It is written by an international airline woman-pilot who volunteers on her days off unloading animals from distressed locations via inbound rescue flights in preparation for adoption.

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Purchase this book here

Colleen Canning, her husband, and their dog, Loki, live in Minnesota and enjoy traveling around the world.  They have four adult children, a son-in-law, and two amazing grandchildren.  Colleen was a corporate executive and coach before shifting her focus to launching her first children’s book, Bellies to the Sky: A Bedtime Breathwork Book.  Over the past thirty years, she has experienced the benefits of yoga and breath teachings in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Bahamas.  As a result, she felt inspired to create children’s books that honor their imaginations and help instill loving peace and calm.

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Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleen_canning

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From the Serengeti to the Arctic mountains, animals guide their little ones to sleep under the stars.

Snuggle in with this bedtime breathwork book to lead your little one (and yourself) to a peaceful night's sleep. This book teaches children the importance of breathwork and emotional regulation. A fun and effective way to teach children about breathwork. An essential resource for parents, caregivers, and educators.  Making it a valuable addition to any school curriculum.

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Purchase this book here

Learn more here

Deanna Bussadori grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, living an active and outdoor life under the African sun. As the youngest of three siblings, she was immersed in both Greek and South African traditions, family gatherings, and delicious traditional foods. 

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Deanna started writing in verse ten years ago while simultaneously studying the interaction of her two children. She wrote down those experiences and forged them into themes for her books the lead title being Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero. The next book in the Super Big Brother series will be published soon.

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Now living permanently in the USA, she explores the children’s world of imagination and learning, while writing children’s books continues to be her passion. 

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Lulu the Little sees her big brother, Super Sam, as her hero. Super Sam can swim fast, climb high, and swing through the sky. He always saves the day whether he is helping, sharing, or showing kindness. He is the best Super Big Brother ever! Lulu the Little wishes she could be just like him for a day.

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Purchase this book here

Diane has worked with children of all stages in various capacities, especially as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters as a youth mentor. She draws on her experiences to encourage, empower, and guide children and young adults into believing, trusting, and loving themselves unconditionally.

 

In her debut book, "The Motivation Queen," Diane introduces her readers to the main character of the book Queen who, despite her new environment, challenges others to embrace the power of positivity and understanding other people. 

 

When Queen attends a new school, she is scared but also determined. She won't forget everything she knows about the power of positivity and the strength of understanding, not even in the face of a bully. As Queen begins to teach others these wonderful lessons, something incredible happens! She grows into the one, the only Motivation Queen! With her cape, wand, and unique powers, the Motivation Queen can sense when someone needs her, and she's off to help. 

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Purchase this book here

Nina Neefe is a retired title insurance manager who discovered her real passion when she became “Nina” to her four grandchildren. Her passion for her “kitties and kiddies” and the true story of Mulan’s frightening escape inspired her first children’s book, Mulan’s Big Adventure. She and her husband adopted Simon and Mulan from their local Animal Shelter in Northern California. Nina donates a portion of all book proceeds to the local Humane Society.

 

Have you ever wondered what your pet was thinking or dreaming? Let your child's imagination soar and dream of adventure as they follow along with two hilarious cats, Simon & Mulan, in their fantastical secret escapades. Told through 32 pages of rhyming story and humorous, magical fantasy photography, children ages 4-12 will giggle at the fun-filled journey through a cat's mind as they parachute jump, skateboard, swim with sharks and more!​

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Purchase all her books here.

Millie was born and raised in New York, in the heart of Manhattan. Subsequently, she relocated to the outskirts of New York. Millie values her husband, a retired NYC Firefighter, her daughters, her grandchildren, and her two dogs above all else.

If she is not spending time with her friends and family, you can almost always find her in her craft room designing something, or dreaming up new ideas for her next book. In 2003, Millie published a poem in the book Invoking The Muse. Her love of poetry helped pave the way for her first children's book, The Bus Ride to School.

Millie has now written a 2nd children's book, Mason, The Blue Boy Puppy. 

 

Mason, The Blue Boy Puppy, is about a little girl named Melissa who wanted a puppy for her birthday. As Melissa grew up and went to college, her puppy Mason was left alone and needed a friend.

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Purchase this book here.

Molly McCluskey-Shipman understands children. In fact, a student once told her "You should change your name to 'Dr. Feel Better'; every time I talk to you I feel better."
 
In addition to Emma’s Dilemma, Molly is the author of Festeva’s Holiday Cheer (2018), The BIST Bunch, and various manuals/articles for nonprofit organizations.  Being able to laugh and feel a sense of belonging is essential! Molly hopes that children can relate, identify, and see themselves within her books.
 
As an adopted child herself, Molly was motivated to help others!  She is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in Kansas/Missouri and is the Social-Emotional Coordinator for Quality Hill Charter School. Molly resides in Kansas City with her daughter and their dog. 

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Learn more about the author here.