Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen has won numerous awards for her Elizabeti series (see full list to the right). A native of Wisconsin, Stuve-Bodeen was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. She now lives in La Center, Washington, with her husband, a park ranger, and their two children. To find out more about Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, visit her Web site: www.rockforadoll.com

Christy Hale has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including Elizabeti’s Doll, its two sequels, and Sky Dancers, all published by Lee & Low Books. The East-West House: Noguchi’s Childhood in Japan marks Hale’s debut as a picture book author. She is also an art educator and has introduced young readers to the lives and works of many artists through Instructor magazine’s Masterpiece of the Month feature and accompanying workshops. Hale lives with her husband and their daughter in Palo Alto, California. She can be found online at christyhale.com.