Born in Morgan City, Louisiana, Author/Illustrator Michael Verrett grew up blocks away from sugar cane fields and the unhurried Bayou Teche. Michael has created or contributed to over 80 books. He has books for elementary level, photo books, and writes a YA series, Wherever the Wind May Blow and Zac Zap. A former homicide detective and police sketch artist, Michael has taught gifted art in the WBR Parish School System. A Veteran of the U S Army and Reserves, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. As a member of 3rd Army, his duties took him from Asia, to Africa and the Pentagon. His cartoon strip, Army Life, appeared weekly in the Army magazine, The Desert Voice. Lt Colonel Michael retired as an Instructor with the Army's Command & General Staff College and is currently employed with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge. Michael studied writing at Louisiana State University and the Institute of Children's Literature. He studied art at Louisiana State University, the Scottsdale Art Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, and the FBI Academy. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, a board member of Creative Minds Writers of Ponchatoula, LA, a member of Louisiana Library Association, and a member of the Writers Rendezvous of the Fairwood Library in Baton Rouge. He is a past-president of the Arts Council of Livingston Parish. A former member of the LSU Operetta Chorus. He continues to perform on stage as the president of Spotlight Theater Players of Livingston parish. He has taught gifted art in the public school system and worked in anti-terrorism. As a volunteer he provides programs for libraries and schools around the State. He attends Christ Community Church He now lives in Denham Springs, LA with his wife Melissa Garbarino Verrett their three dogs: Hamlet, Romeo, and Jack-Jack (and a couple of cats (who wish to remain anonymous).
