Debbi Michiko Florence writes books for children in her writing studio, The Word Nest. She is an animal lover with a degree in Zoology, and has worked at a pet store, the Humane Society, a raptor rehabilitation center, and a zoo. She is the author of two chapter-book series: Jasmine Toguchi (FSG) and Dorothy & Toto (Picture Window Books). A third-generation Japanese American and a native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut with her husband, a rescue dog, a bunny, and two ducks. Monika was born with a passion for art. She grew up in a small town on California's central coast and couldn't wait to get to the big city where she earned a degree in graphic design and entered the world of advertising. She worked as an award-winning art director and creative director in Los Angeles and Indianapolis before becoming a full-time illustrator. Monika's studio is now located in the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz mountains. That's where she creates illustrations for all sorts of people throughout the world while her pug snores loudly in the background.