Gideon Sterer grew up in the woods of upstate New York. Not too far away, his parents owned a little zoo, where he would run around after hours and let the animals out. He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Owl, co-written with Ellen Kalish and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, and his other previous books include From Ed's to Ned's, illustrated by Lucy Cummins, which received 2 starred reviews, The Midnight Fair, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Gorgio, which received 7 starred reviews, and Not Your Nest, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. Currently, he lives in upstate New York. He likes football, pierogies, portals, archery, and liminal places where worlds blend. Visit him at GideonSterer.com.

Lucy Ruth Cummins is an author, an illustrator, and an art director of children's books. Her debut picture book, A Hungry Lion, or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals, was a finalist for the Governor General's Award, an Irma Black Honor Book, and an ALA Notable Book. Her second book, Stumpkin, was a PW Best Book of the Year. She is also the illustrator of This Is Not a Valentine, written by Carter Higgins, and Truman, written by Jean Reidy. She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn, New York. Her favorite food is the French fry. Visit her at LucyRuthCummins.com.