Ed Shankman was born in the Bronx, New York, and lives today in Verona, New Jersey. As a creative director in the advertising industry, he has directed creative efforts for some of the world's best-known companies. Beyond the office, he has always spent his time chasing creative inspiration as a writer, guitar player, and painter. His first book, ""I Went to the Party in Kalamazoo,"" uses rhyme young readers to imagine the ultimate children's party. With illustrator Dave O'Neill, he has created four winning children's titles for Commonwealth Editions.