A little about us…

“A social justice loving husband and wife writing team living in Naperville, they’ve traveled around the world in search of stories – to China, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Africa – to Kenya and Tanzania.  In keeping with their world focus, they are creating Books and Graphic Novels set in rural Illinois, renaissance Italy, Africa, even another Planet.

Mary has significant experience as a Media Producer, and together with Rich they are ScreenwritingU ProSeries Grads with several completed feature scripts.  

Their award winning picture book Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya (published by Barefoot Books around the world) is well suited for inclusion in Social Studies or African themed curricula. Set in Kenya, “Mama Panya’s Pancakes” is the story of a young mother with barely enough money to support her son Adika. After pointing out “he’s one step ahead of her” – Adika invites all their friends to dinner – tonight! How will Mama be able to feed them all? This story of generosity and community has won numerous major awards and praise from reviewers and readers.

“It is a historic moment in the history of Liang’s Adventures to be acknowledged by the Baha’í Universal House of Justice as “vital work”. Thank you, again, for your ongoing creative contributions to the Faith by helping to produce such a wonderful publication.

– Quote from Bahá’í National Center

Rich and Mary Chamberlin
Janice is delighted to meet you.
“Oppenheim Toy Portfolio”