Meet The 2025 Team
PoulsboKidsBookFest@gmail.com
Suzanne Selfors
Founder/Fundraiser
Suzanne is the owner of Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, WA. She's also a best-selling kids' author. She has won the WA State Book Award, six Junior Library Guild Awards and numerous state awards. She visits schools all over the country and knows, firsthand, the power of connecting students and authors. This festival is one of her passion projects.
Walker Ranson
Founder/School Visit Day Coordinator
Walker is the co-owner of Liberty Bay Books and the store's manager. He published his first novel, BRAVER, in 2020 and continues to write. He grew up on Bainbridge Island and is a sixth generation Islander. He works closely with teachers and librarians all over Kitsap County to create school visits.
Maureen McQuerry
Author Liason
Maureen McQuerry is the author of four novels for middle grade readers and young adults and two board book series. Her books have been selected for YALSA best fiction, ALA best book, Bank Street Best Books, and sold in 5 languages. She taught for 20 years and was the McAuliffe fellow for WA state in 2000.
Melinda Ackles
Volunteer Coordinator
Mel is a former librarian and current school library volunteer. She is an avid reader and has read countless books with her two children. For Mel, there is nothing more magical than connecting children with books that they enjoy.
Connie Bye
Media/Press
Connie Bye is a journalist and editor has written on topics ranging from the environment to schools, people, government and community life. A Bainbridge Island resident for 12 years, she leads school tours at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, has performed in numerous Ovation musicals and sings with the fantastic group Crescendo.
Debbie Jo Rock
Librarian and Community Liaison
Recently retired, Debbie Jo was an educator in Washington State for over 30 years. She has an MA in Curriculum and Instruction and is a National Board Certified Library Media Specialist. She was the Librarian at Vinland Elementary from 2008-2015, and Poulsbo Middle School from 2018-2024.
Dawn Ream
Hall of Authors/Illustrators Coordinator
Dawn is a book lover, a book seller and a book collector. Children’s books have always been her favorite and main interest for love, selling and collecting. Being born to a children’s librarian by training might have influenced this but most of the time it just feels like who she is.
Marilyn McLauchlan
Fundraising
Marilyn raised her family on Bainbridge Island and worked as a real estate broker for Carol King Associates, Windermere and was co-owner of Leonhardt/McLauchlan Real Estate, She loves traveling, gardening and all things books.
Meg Beade Stowe
Kitsap Regional Library Rep
Meg is the Youth Service's Librarian at the KRL Poulsbo branch. She worked for five years in the children's book publishing industry. She’s an advocate for early learning and remains dedicated to helping kids discover their next great read or information that expands their world.
Isabelle Ranson
Graphic Design
Isabelle grew up on Bainbridge and holds a Masters in Coastal and Marine Environments. She's also a designer whose Webtoon comic, The Red Archer, had over 4.8 million reads. After living in Ireland for three years, she's recently moved back to the PNW.