Jill McElmurry was the illustrator of many picture books, including When Otis Courted Mama by Kathi Appelt and the best-selling Little Blue Truck series, written by Alice Schertle. She happily divided her time between the wide landscape of New Mexico and a green island in Minnesota. Jill passed away in August 2017.
Alice Schertle is the acclaimed author of many children's books, including William and Grandpa, recipient of the Christopher Award. Her poetry has been called "witty" (Kirkus Reviews), "vivid" (The Horn Book), and "unique" (ALA Booklist).