Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times best-selling author (14 Cows for America) and nationally known storyteller has been writing and telling stories for more than thirty years. Her books have received numerous awards and honors, including a Pura Belpre Honor, Christopher, Jane Addams Honor, and an E.B.White Read-Aloud Honor.

Carmen has presented at many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia.

As a seasoned professional in the animation industry, Pete Oswald’s credits include traditional animation, CG, and stop motion. Pete’s work as an illustrator and designer includes Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Madagascar 2, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, ParaNorman, and Hotel Transylvania. His short film, The Story of Walls (2009), earned him an Annie Award nomination. Pete and his family live in Santa Monica, California.