Paige Towler is an author, editor, and bat lover who lives in Washington, D.C. Her books include Yoga Animals, Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus, GROSS Factopia, and more.The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama is home to the Smithsonian Bat Lab, a large group of researchers from all over the world who come to Panama to study bats. This group investigates the stunning diversity of the fascinating bats that inhabit the tropical rainforests. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama is home to the Smithsonian Bat Lab, a large group of researchers from all over the world who come to Panama to study bats. This group investigates the stunning diversity of the fascinating bats that inhabit the tropical rainforests. Gavin was born in Wiltshire, England. From his early childhood he was enthralled with the natural world and would often be found at the bottom of the garden, holding up a snake or some other interesting creature to investigate. Gavin went on to study natural history illustration at university and later entered the world of character design and children's illustration. He illustrates both fiction and nonfiction books, and also makes prints, paintings, and sculptures of the natural world. He lives in Somerset.