Meet the Team Behind Picnic Heist Books
At Picnic Heist, we believe outstanding stories are shaped by outstanding people. Our children’s book publishing team brings years of experience from prestigious publishing houses, paired with a deep love for picture books and a commitment to nurturing new voices.
Their expertise and creative vision are at the heart of everything we make — books that leave a lasting impression on young readers and the grown-ups who read with them. Together, we bring authors’ visions to life and create picture books that resonate across generations, carrying forward stories that entertain, inspire, and foster connection.
Janet Bruins
Founder & Publisher
Janet is the founder of Picnic Heist, combining her business background and love of storytelling to create standout picture books and support authors and illustrators.
Meet Our Children’s Book Publishing Team
Sophia Jimenez
Acquisition Editor
Sophia is a professional editor with over a decade of experience in fiction and nonfiction for all ages. At Simon & Schuster, she acquired books for children and adults, collaborating with bestselling and award-winning authors. A co-founder of a Latine mentorship program and former Latinx in Publishing board member, Sophia’s editorial approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply rooted in impactful storytelling.
Learn more at Sophia-Jimenez.com.
Julia Scheina
Consulting Editor
Julie has nearly 20 years of experience editing acclaimed and bestselling children’s and YA books. As a former senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, she has worked on more than 300 titles and with Caldecott and Newbery medalists, National Book Award finalists, and New York Times bestsellers.
Learn more at Julie Scheina Editorial Services.
Rachael Stein
Senior Editor
Rachael is a freelance children’s book editor with over five years of experience at publishers such as Sterling Publishing, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Scholastic. She has edited picture books through YA nonfiction, including Martin McLean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczek, Queen of Physics by Teresa Robeson, and Ramen for Everyone by Pat Tanumihardja — books that highlight her talent for developing engaging, inclusive stories.
Learn more at Rachael-Edits.com.
Christine Ma
Copyeditor
Christine is a copy editor and proofreader with over twenty years of experience working on books for both children and adults. Previously a senior production editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, she has worked on Caldecott Medal winners, National Book Award finalists, Drue Heinz Literature Prize winners, and numerous New York Times bestsellers. Her meticulous eye ensures every Picnic Heist book maintains the highest standards of clarity, consistency, and style.
Learn more at MsChristineMa.com.
Alyssa Gangaram
Graphic Designer
Alyssa is a freelance illustrator and artist passionate about storytelling in various forms. With over five years of experience, she has created illustrations for schools and businesses throughout the east coast. From murals, to comics, to illustration and film, she crafts visual narratives that inquire about the human heart, soul, and beyond.
Learn more at Alyssagangaram.MyPortfolio.com
Jeff Chang
Asia Regional Director
Jeff brings more than fifteen years of experience in international publishing and cultural exchange. With expertise in rights sales and cross-border collaborations, he has introduced award-winning authors and illustrators to new markets across Asia. His work ensures Picnic Heist titles travel beyond borders, fostering global understanding and connection.
Begin the Journey