Audrey Vernick writes fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens. She never had a pet octopus as a child, but she did have two gerbils named Guru Maharishi Darling 1 and 2. Audrey is a two-time recipient of the New Jersey Arts Council's fiction fellowship, and her books include the critically acclaimed Brothers at Bat and Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?, as well as an upcoming collaboration with Liz Garton Scanlon and Chris Raschka, called Dear Substitute Teacher. She lives near the ocean with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs. For her next pet, Audrey really wants a baby goat. Visit her at AudreyVernick.com. Diana Schoenbrun is an illustrator, author, designer, and puppet builder. She received her BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a member of the Society of Illustrators and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Diana enjoys designing children's books for Random House Golden Books and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Take Your Octopus to School Day is her first picture book.