Doris Buchanan Smith is mother to five school-age children, four of her own and one for whom she and her husband are permanent guardians. The Smiths have also been parents to more than twenty-two foster children. Her experiences have given her exceptional insight into the problems of being young as well as those of growing up. Now that her children are in school Mrs. Smith spends a minimum of three hours a day writing. She also likes animals and the woods, and is interested in nature and conservation. A Taste Of Blackberries is her first book. Mike Wimmer is the illustrator of a number of highly acclaimed picture books, including All the Places to Love, written by Patricia MacLachlan, and Train Song, written by Diane Siebert. He lives in Norman, Oklahoma.