A Fin-tastic Surprise

Valerie Tripp says that she became a writer because of the kind of person she is. She says she’s curious, and writing requires you to be interested in everything. Talking is her favorite sport, and writing is a way of talking on paper. She’s a daydreamer, which helps her come up with her ideas. And she loves words. She even loves the struggle to come up with just the right words as she writes and rewrites. Ms. Tripp lives in Maryland with her husband.

Thu Thai is an artist known for her captivating illustrations and concept art. With a passion for color, Thu’s creations combine the look of the traditional with the digital to create fantastical and fun images. Her work has been featured in many books and graphic novels, and she has collaborated with authors to bring their own stories to life.