
Judith Jaques

Judith Jacques is the heart, creator, and author behind “Gardenland Books”, a joyful and imaginative collection of children’s books that inspire fun, connection, curiosity, and kindness.
The themes for the series resonate with experiences from Judith’s own life. She ran a food bank and after-school program for children experiencing homelessness; she started a program that brought the children to work and play in a community garden. At first, they were not fond of working in the garden or eating any of its food. Then, she turned it into a game and named all the plants, bugs, and tools to give them life and make them characters they could relate to. The garden became their happy place; every day brought with it a new adventure and life lesson.
It was a special experience to witness, and ultimately, the idea for this series was born.
As a first-generation graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Global Technology & Development, and over a decade of professional experience leading community programs, Judith brings a unique, real-world lens to her storytelling, one that celebrates diversity, empathy, and social-emotional growth.
Her background in public service, nonprofit leadership, and education fuels her passion for writing stories that not only entertain but also empower young readers to see themselves and others in new ways. Whether it’s peas throwing parties or carrots learning to share, her characters reflect the big lessons found in small everyday moments.
When she’s not dreaming up new adventures in Gardenland, Judith can be found volunteering, traveling, gardening, cooking, exploring the PNW outdoors, snuggling her animals, trying to make her husband laugh, or building programs that bring people together.
She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her mum, husband, dog Star, and kitkats Sox and Lucky.
Trevor Pacelli

Trevor Pacelli is an author, illustrator, and autism/disability advocate with a BA in Film and Media Studies from Arizona State University. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (PDD-NOS) at age 5—the first in his extended family to be on the spectrum.
He is the author of Six-Word Lessons on Growing Up Autistic, What Movies Can Teach Us About Disabilities, What Movies Can Teach Us About Bullying, Summer of the Fruit Virus, the illustrator of The Kindergarten Adventures of Amazing Grace: What in the World is Autism?, and the author/illustrator of Amazing Grace Goes to the Zoo. He also enjoys photography and lives in Bellevue, Washington, with a roommate and his dog, Bella.

