Alan Schroeder, a lifelong admirer of Louis Armstrong, is the award-winning author of several picture books, including Lily and the Wooden Bowl, Minty, and Carolina Shout. His first book, Ragtime Tumpie, was chosen as an ALA Notable Book, a Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, and a Parents' Choice Award winner. He lives in Alameda, California. Brad Sneed is an artist, illustrator, and author of books for young readers. His books include Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper and Lucky Russell, and he has illustrated numerous books for other authors. He lives in Kansas with his wife and daughter.