Fran Cannon Slayton spent her childhood growing up in Manassas, Virginia, hoping for snow days off from school. After graduating from the University of Virginia (where she once skied on the lawn in front of Thomas Jefferson's famous Rotunda after a huge snowstorm), Fran worked as a prosecutor and legal publisher before becoming a children's book author. Kirkus hailed her debut middle-grade novel, When the Whistle Blows, as "an unassuming masterpiece." Fran lives with her husband, daughter, and a very furry dog in Virginia. You can visit Fran at FranCannonSlayton.com.

Tracy Bishop grew up on a US Army base just outside of Tokyo, Japan. After working in design at a children's museum, she left to become a full-time illustrator for children's books. Tracy can now be found working from home in San Jose, California. Her daily inspirations are her son, husband, and a hairy dog appropriately named Harry. When she's not working, you'll find Tracy reading, collecting picture books, knitting, or tinkering on her computer. Find out more about Tracy at tracybishop.com.