Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is co-founder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of Bright Eyes, Brown Skin, a ground-breaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson. Her website is cherylwillishudson.com.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in Illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. His artwork is a mixture of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, to create rich, vibrant textures that bring his artwork to life. When I Hear Spirituals is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, NY. His website is londonladd.com.