Patricia MacLachlan is an incredibly versatile author whose titles range from picture books to novels, including the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall. Barkus was inspired by the imagined adventures of her neighbor's dog. She lives in Massachusetts.

Marc Boutavant is an internationally acclaimed illustrator who has illustrated a wide range of books, and has had work featured in the New York Times and the New Yorker. His previous titles for Chronicle include Around the World with Mouk and For Just One Day as well as the All Aboard Train Puzzle and Matching Game, the Sky High Building Puzzle, and The Night Before Christmas Pop-Up Advent Calendar. He lives in Paris, France.