Stephanie Stuve-Bodeenwas a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and was inspired to write the Elizabeti series from this experience. The series has won numerous awards. She now lives in Wisconsin with her family. Aaron Boyd has illustrated numerous picture books, including Calling the Water Drum, Janna and the Kings, and Babu's Song for Lee & Low Books, as well as the chapter book The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis. His work has been recognized by the Children's Africana Book Award and the International Literacy Association (ILA). He lives with his wife, son, and dog in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can visit him online at aaronboydart.blogspot.com.