Irene Latham's passion for poetry started as soon as she could read and write, with Shel Silverstein and love poems crafted for her mother. Named Alabama State Poetry Society 2006 Poet of the Year, Irene has published poems for adults and children in anthologies, journals, and literary magazines.

She is also the author of two award-winning novels for children: Leaving Gee's Bend and Don't Feed the Boy. Her collections of children's poetry include Dear Wandering Wildebeest, When the Sun Shines on Antarctica and Fresh Delicious. She lives with her husband and three sons in Birmingham, Alabama.