The founders of Canada’s Authors’ Booking Service announced they are handing the company over to author and blogger Caroline Fernandez as of June 10, 2018.

Marsha Skrypuch and Valerie Sherrard started the service in 2006, as a way to connect professional children’s authors and illustrators with audiences through library and school visits as well as other kidlit events. The co-founders, who curated an impressive roster of talent over the last 12 years – including Arthur Slade, Elly Mackay, Kathy Kacer, and Rebecca Bender – described their motivation for inaugurating the service in an email release: “When young people meet the creators behind their favourite books, it not only supports literacy, but the message of achieving one’s dreams against daunting odds also comes to life.”

Now Skrypuch and Sherrard are moving on and Fernandez, who has been on the ABS roster for three years, is taking over. “She understands the planning that goes into a successful author visit,” Skrypuch and Sherrard said in a statement, “[and] during her time [with ABS] she impressed us with her enthusiastic professionalism.”

Fernandez has published two works of non-fiction with Cico Books: Boredom Busters (a 2016 Silver Birch Non-Fiction Honour Book) and More Boredom Busters. She also runs the mom blog parentclub.ca, featuring recipes and family activities.

“I am very honoured that Marsha Skrypuch and Valerie Sherrard thought of me for taking over Authors’ Booking Service,” Fernandez told Q&Q. “As an author myself, I know the value that Authors’ Booking Service provides; connecting great Canadian authors with schools, librarians, and students. I look forward to growing [this service] from the solid foundation Marsha and Valerie built – with a focus on further contribution to the children’s book industry, building community, and embracing diversity.”