Kate DiCamillo is the beloved author of many books for young readers, including the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive series. Her books Flora & Ulysses and The Tale of Despereaux both received Newbery Medals. A former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, she lives in Minneapolis. Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of many books for young readers, including The Circus Ship and Big Truck, Little Island , and the illustrator of the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive series. He lives in Maine.