Soneela Nankani

Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah have been partners of one kind or another for more than 10 years. Their picture book collaboration started in 2020, when Samantha asked Reuben for input on a picture book idea about a west African outdooring ceremony. Reuben shared his knowledge and insights, and their book Waiting to Welcome was born. Now, Samantha and Reuben write stories that help them share and celebrate their kids’ bicultural Ghanaian-American family, traditions, and community. Outside of writing, Samantha and Reuben have four kids, and enjoy exploring local greenways, cooking, and watching Japanese TV with their kids.

Bri Marie McNish is a self-taught illustrator based in New England. At a young age, she was instilled with a love of fairy tales and fables, and now she aims to create art that features inclusive characters and cozy settings she wished she saw in the media she loved as a child. When not illustrating, she has a deep love for black tea, romantic comedies, and especially her loud cat, Garfield. Waiting to Welcome is her first picture book.