Joanna Que was inspired to write
Dancing Hands after being invited to join a writing workshop with Room to Read, a global nonprofit, and Adarna House, a prominent Filipino publisher. She finds sign language beautiful and wants to spark more conversations about the importance of inclusion. Apart from writing, Joanna finds joy in making things with her hands and spending time in nature. She lives with her dog and cat friends in Manila, Philippines.
Charina Marquez is a baker, researcher, sign language instructor, and deaf rights advocate. Born deaf, she loves languages and communicates using sign language and written English and Tagalog. She holds a degree in Visual Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and worked as an animator, art restorer, and graphic designer before opening Silent Baker Charina, her very own cake and pastry business. She lives in Quezon City, Philippines, where she also enjoys skating and surfing.
Fran Alvarez is an illustrator and graphic designer who does a special happy dance whenever merienda time comes. She was invited to join Room to Read's illustrators' workshop where she created the art for
Dancing Hands. She is a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), a Filipino association of artists committed to the creation and promotion of illustrations for children. These days she is mostly inspired by nature, pop culture, childhood memories, and day-to-day life. When she is not at her desk, her cat Chimken is. She lives in Rizal, Philippines.
