About the Author

Jeannine Atkins was a girl who looked under rocks. Particular trees and stones outside her house were familiar as her bedroom and made good spots to wonder. When she grew up, writing became her way to keep exploring and dreaming. She particularly likes combing libraries for stories about amazing girls and women. In addition to this book, they have inspired her picture books which include Aani and the Tree Huggers and Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon. She lives with her husband and their daughter in Massachusetts.

Paula Conner's parents are gifted professional musicians, so her love for music and songwriting seemed natural. It was a delightful surprise as a young adult, however, to discover that she could draw. With no formal training, she has been a commissioned portrait artist for more than twenty-five years, although this is her first published work as an illustrator. Her medium of choice is charcoal because it allows her to capture light and shadow dramatically, bringing a three-dimensional, life-like quality to her work. To capture a poignant expression, a fleeting display of emotion in the eyes, is what excites her. A mother of four and a devoted wife, her greatest love will always be her family; but her art is unquestionably another.