Michael Garland (Patterson, NY) is the illustrator of 75 children’s picture books, half of which he also wrote. Miss Smith and the Haunted Library is a New York Times bestseller. Other recent books include Tilbury's A Season of Flowers, and Daddy Played the Blues, Lost Dog, Tugboat, Car Goes Far, Fish Had a Wish (starred review from Publisher’s Weekly), Where’s My Homework?, and Grandpa’s Tractor (selected for the Original Art of Children’s Book Show by the Society of Illustrators in New York). He has illustrated bestselling picture books for James Patterson, Gloria Estefan, and other celebrity authors, and his illustrations for Patterson’s Santa Kid were the inspiration for Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas holiday window display in New York City. Garland’s Christmas Magic has become a seasonal classic and is currently in development as an animated Christmas special. Michael makes school visits across the country.