Denise Walter McConduit lives in New Orleans, Louisiana, and she is passionate about preserving her state's rich cultural traditions. Her first books were inspired by the real-life experiences of her son: D.J. and the Debutante Ball, D.J. and the Zulu Parade, D.J. and the Jazz Fest. She is also the author of The Boy Who Wouldn't Read and Claudia in the Storm: A Hurricane Katrina Survival Story, a middle-grade novel about the turmoil children faced during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Denise is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and has an MFA in creative writing. For more information, visit www.denisemcconduit.com. A professional pianist, teacher, and artist, Stacy Bearden earned his bachelor's degree in piano performance and education from McNeese State University. His music business, Bearden's Music, sells both original artwork and commissions of people, pets, and homes. Bearden also teaches music lessons to young children. The author and illustrator of Boudreaux the Louisiana Mosquiteaux, he uses music and storytelling to educate his readers about the people and animals of Louisiana. Bearden shares his life with his wife and two children in Sulphur, Louisiana.