Debbi Michiko Florence is a third-generation Japanese American and has many fond memories of sharing in her family's traditions while growing up in California and visiting her relatives in Japan. Debbi is also the author of novels and picture books, including Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites . She now lives in Connecticut with her husband and their many animals (but no flamingo). Elizabet Vukovic received her BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. She specializes in children's book illustration but enjoys experimenting with character design, concept art, fashion illustration, and decorative art. Her illustrated books include Debbi Michiko Florence's Jasmine Toguchi series, Katey Howes's Be A Maker , and Elana K. Arnold's An Ordinary Day . She currently resides in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.