As a child, author Michelle Keyes would nestle among the branches of her family’s oak tree to write magical stories. Becoming a writer was never far from her mind as she later began a career in book publishing, copywriting, and becoming a children’s librarian. Her new picture book, The Easter Bear, is her first foray as a children’s book author.

Known as the "Bookworm Athlete," she excels as a speed reader, picture book collector, and a triathlete who has qualified for world championships. Beyond weaving stories for children, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as activities such as hiking, cooking, traveling, and horseback riding. She has an MLIS from the University of Kentucky and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Spalding University. 

She hopes her writing ignites an imaginative spark in her young readers, encouraging them to work hard and pursue their dreams despite challenges along the way.

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Stella Maris Mongodi began her earthly journey in Italy, where she pursued a degree in Ancient theatre, while exploring a passion for art and illustration under the expert tutelage of such masters as Alessandra Cimatoribus, Anna Castagnoli, Carll Cneut and Stefano Moroni. She dabbled with oils, experimented with acrylics, and wondered at watercolors, before settling on digital illustrations, steeped in “traditional media flavor”, and sporting a whimsically dreamy, feathery, playful feel, befitting her fairy spirit.

Eventually, Stella wandered off to the British Isles in search of kindred fairies.  Finally stumbling upon them in the magical Scottish lands, she decided to put down roots among her own kind. Between creating engaging imagery to delight young readers, Stella loves to explore her own inner child, zooming about on roller skates, sewing colorful skirts (the crazier the better), communicating with the Death Star on her Darth Vader walkie talkie, and befriending her favorite creatures…owls, mice, and an occasional squirrel.