Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning children's book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 6'8", Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his energy toward his deepest love: making stories for youth and families with a focus on supporting diverse creators and #own voices material. He's written six children's books and helped produce over 40 others as an editor, art director, and publishing consultant. Jesse is based in Los Angeles, CA. Lau Moraiti is a children's book illustrator from Uruguay. Some story themes she loves exploring are: growing up, finding your path, and learning to accept change. Her aim is to make readers feel "cozy and at home" through fun, engaging, and adorable worlds and characters. Her favorite mediums are watercolors and colored pencils. Both Jesse and Lau are big siblings themselves!