Cottage Door Press is an independent publisher of high-quality children's books. Our books are designed to spark curiosity in the littlest readers and fan the flames of lifelong learning. We understand children deserve our respect. That's why we always select artwork and stories that encourage caregivers to "read up" to their little ones--exploring interests together, learning together, and giving their young minds room to grow. We also believe in creating stories that reflect the boundless possibilities of all children. We hope to create books that inspire little ones to connect, encourage them to dream, give them cause to celebrate, and allow them to see themselves beautifully reflected in the stories they read. To bring these beautiful stories to life, our diverse and talented staff collaborates with authors and illustrators from all backgrounds and nationalities. We have also partnered with multicultural brands and literacy organizations to make sure our books reflect and reach as many little ones as possible. Sydney was raised in Minnesota alongside numerous pets and brothers. When she wasn't tunneling through snowdrifts or rescuing frogs from rain gutters, she was drawing. Her illustrations and paintings still reflect these early adventures and are marked by a love for animals and the natural world. In addition to her traditional illustrations Sydney is an experienced 2D and 3D production artist. In 2011 she moved to Los Angeles where she's worked for several animation shops including Nickelodeon and Disney Interactive. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time outside with her adopted brother, a Labrador retriever named Cash. Brick Puffinton loves the sounds of giggling babies and silly toddlers! No wonder he writes such funny little puppet stories for playful read-together time. When Brick isn't thinking up the next wiggly-giggly puppet book, he (mostly) enjoys restoring his grandparents' historic home, where he lives with his family, two pugs, and a duck. (psssst! Brick Puffinton is actually a pen name for the Cottage Door Press team who worked on this book.)