Valerio, Geraldo: - Geraldo Valério is new to Simon & Schuster, but not to children's publishing. Born in Brazil, Geraldo was educated both in his native country and at New York University, where he earned an M.A. in Fine Arts. He began his career in children's publishing in 1995 with the picture book A Cobra Zola, published by Le Publishing House. He went on to publish other children's titles for Brazilian publishers. This is his first children's book in the United States. Geraldo lives in Portland, Oregon.

Spinelli, Eileen: - Eileen Spinelli has written many books for children. Her 1991 debut Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch was?a Christopher Award winner, and she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the bestselling?When Mama Comes Home Tonight, ?and the critically acclaimed?Sophie's Masterpiece.?Eileen lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.