Nancy Rust's writing journey has been truly rewarding. Before becoming an author, she spent over two decades teaching literature to classes of remarkable children in Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Arizona. In 2011, she co-authored her first book with Carol Stubbs. They wrote A Louisiana Christmas: Heritage Recipes and Hometown Celebrations, an authentic recipe book with historical tidbits and Yuletide events. Then they moved into writing books for kids, beginning with What's Watching Me? And Other Animal Stories, a short story collection that explores the connection between people and animals. Utilizing themes of hope and perseverance in uncertain times, they wrote Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II. Nancy spends a part of most days reading and writing. She especially loves books that inspire children and give them hope. She now lives in Louisiana and with her husband and dog Truman. Carol Stubbs is the co-author of three books with more in progress. She and Nancy Rust have been writing together since 2011. They co-authored "A Louisiana Christmas: Heritage Recipes and Hometown Celebrations," a recipe book with holiday events and interesting facts about Louisiana, "What's Watching Me? And Other Animal Stories," a collection of ten short stories featuring animals for elementary and middle grade students, and "Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in WWII," a non-fiction picture book published by Pelican. Before becoming an author, Carol worked as editor of a local magazine, a freelance writer, and an English teacher. She has a BA in Journalism from Louisiana State University and a MED from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is an active member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and leads the monthly critique group for the Acadiana area. Melissa Vandiver is a New Orleans-based artist and illustrator specializing in acrylic, gouache, & watercolor. Her artistic mission is simple: to create images that evoke joy in a dark world.Melissa grew up in South Carolina, and has been drawing and painting since she can remember. She studied architecture at Clemson University, combining her math brain with her art brain. After some time, she got sick of drawing toilets, and the art called to her. She is best known for her whimsical themed pet portraits, which are all custom commissioned and designed individually for each pet, and also for the children's books she's illustrated (just a few published but more on the way!).When not drawing and painting, Melissa is glittering, hot gluing, talking to dogs like they're people, working on costumes and floats, and other general introvert fun.