Marianne Berkes has spent much of her life as a teacher, children's theater director and children's librarian. She knows how much children enjoy "interactive" stories and is the author of many entertaining and educational picture books that make a child's learning relevant. Reading, music, theater, gardening, and cooking have been a constant in Marianne's life. Her books are inspired by her love of nature. Marianne hopes to open kids' eyes to the magic found in our natural world. She now writes full time. An energetic presenter at schools and conferences, Marianne believes that "hands on" learning is fun. Her website is www.MarianneBerkes.com. Janeen Mason works as a fine artist as well as an author and illustrator of children's books. Her original paintings are collected by Burt Reynolds, Reba McEntire, S. Kent Rockwell, and Evan Lloyd. She licenses her fine art worldwide, some of which have won international awards. In 2000 she received the National Award for Excellence in Communities for an interactive exhibit featuring the work of thirteen award winning children's book illustrators. In 2001 her book was selected by school children nationwide to rest in the top 100 out of 10,000 entries through a program known as the Children's Choice awards. She serves as a Member of the Florida Arts Council, Chair of the Public Art Advisory Board, Illustrator Coordinator for Florida's Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Children's Book Council, Picture Book Artists Association, and past member of the board of directors of the Arts Council of Stuart and Martin County. Ms. Mason is popular at schools and conferences and an engaging guest on Public Radio and Television programs.When the children's Book council selected her latest book, Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles for review on Martha Stewart Living Radio, this is what they had to say: "Aquatic fun and adventure as seen through the eyes of a loggerhead sea turtle. This vibrantly colorful book for young readers begins with a turtle hatchling on a Florida beach and then follows her odyssey out to sea. Perseverance is the hallmark of this sea turtle, as she conquers every ocean dilemma with quick thinking and hard work. Janeen Mason introduces young readers to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle and offers a glossary, enforcing new vocabulary relevant to the aquatic environment." Ms. Mason was awarded a United States Maritime Literature Award for her book, Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles. "The Florida Arts Council consists of many talented and remarkable arts advocates and individual artists," said Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning. "We are extremely proud of Janeen's recent accomplishment in receiving this award, not only as a member of the Florida's Arts Council, but as one of Florida's many talented individual artists."