JoAnne Stewart Wetzel grew up as an Air Force brat. She became an expert on first days of school by going to nine different schools by fifth grade, and two countries before she finished high school. While she never went to an underwater school, she took synchronized swimming classes, competed on a synchronized swim team, and swam with the Naiads at Arizona State University. She is the author of two children's books on theater, Onstage/Backstage and Playing Juliet. Her first picture book, The Christmas Box, was named a Noteworthy Book for Children by the Bank Street College of Education. JoAnne lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her at joannewetzel.com.
Julianna Swaney is an illustrator whose work is inspired by themes of imagination and whimsy. She grew up homeschooled, which allowed free range for her imagination and interests in folklore, animals, nature, and history. She lives Portland, Oregon. Visit her at juliannaswaney.com.
