Laura May Schlitz has spent most of her life working as a librarian and professional storyteller, and is currently a school librarian in Baltimore, USA. Over the years, The Bearskinner has become one of her favourite stories to share. "I went in search of a story that would tell students that no matter how bad things get, you hold on," she explains. "They took it immediately to heart. They found it scary and vivid and satisfying." Max Grafe is a printmaker, painter and illustrator. His illustrations have graced the pages of several books for children including Old Coyote (9780763615444) by Nancy Wood, The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween (9780763625535) by Ruth Sawyer, and the award-winning Eye of the Wolf (9780744590104) by Daniel Pennac. He lives in New York, USA.