Anika Denise is the celebrated children's book author and poet of four picture books, including Baking Day at Grandma's, Bella and Stella Come Home, and Pigs Love Potatoes, all illustrated by her New York Times-bestselling husband, artist Christopher Denise.

She is also the author of MonsterTrucks (July 2007) illustrated by celebrated Pixar artist Nate Wragg. Already known for her rollicking pace and her wordsmithing skills, not to mention her natural mischievous spark, Anika's writing in Carmen is no exception.

Inspired by Anika's own childhood, many of the Spanish phrases in the story are ones her Puerto Rican father used as terms of endearment.