William H. Teale was University Scholar and the director of the Center for Literacy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was the president of the International Literacy Association and was a leading researcher in the area of early literacy.

Miriam Martinez is a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she teaches courses in children's literature and conducts research related to children's literature. She is involved a variety of professional organizations related to children's literature.

Junko Yokota is professor emeritus at National Louis University and is director of the Center for Teaching through Children's Books. She is involved in various international organizations related to children's literature.