Anika Aldamuy Denise first heard the stories of Pura Belpre from her titi Rose, who, like Pura's family, enjoyed sharing the treasured folklore of Puerto Rico. Today, Anika is the celebrated author of several picture books including Starring Carmen!, Lights, Camera, CARMEN! and Monster Trucks. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Rhode Island.

Paola Escobar is a graphic designer and illustrator who enjoys spreading story seeds of her own, having published with SM Spain, Planeta, Norma, El Globo de Antonia, Fleurus, and Leaves of the Forest (El Bosque University).

She's also created celebrated work for Colombian music bands, as well as for printed and digital magazines including ESPN, Bacanika, El Malpensante, and Timbuktu.

She lives very happily in Bogota with her husband and dog, Flora.