PATRICIA C. McKISSACK is the author of the Caldecott Honor Book "Mirandy and Brother Wind "and the Newbery Honor Book "The Dark-Thirty." She and her husband, Fred, have written over a hundred books about the African American experience. She has also received the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children s books and the Virginia Hamilton Award. To get a feel for the lives of the quilters she describes in this book, Pat traveled to Gee s Bend, Alabama, where she spent several days with the quilt makers and even got a quilting lesson.
COZBI A. CABRERA is the illustrator of the picture books "Thanks a Million "and "Beauty, Her Basket." She is also recognized for her handmade textile work, which includes quilts and clothing. Her collectible cloth dolls ("munecas") received national attention when they were featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Martha Stewart Show." You can visit her website at cozbi.com."