Nancy Van Laan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She began writing in 1962 while studying art and working in television. She earned an MFA in Theater from Rutgers University in 1979. She taught English and creative writing for a number of years before publishing her first book, The Big Fat Worm, in 1987. She is the author of over two dozen children's books, including the beloved picture booksRainbow Crow, Little Baby Bobby,and the Parents' Choice Award winnerPossum Come a-Knockin',among others. George Booth is a New Yorker cartoonist whose work has become an iconic feature of the the magazine.He is the illustrator of several picture books, including the classic Dr. Seuss book Wacky Wednesday. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.