Larissa Theule is the author of several books for children, including the first book in the Material Marvels series, Concrete: From the Ground Up . She is also the author of Kafka and the Doll , illustrated by Rebecca Green, and A Way with Wild Things , illustrated by Sara Palacios. She was inspired to write about the history of materials science because she believes that tracking the course of human innovation can help guide us to where we're going next. Having lived in many different parts of the world throughout her life, Larissa Theule now lives in Southern California with her family and dog. Victoria Tentler-Krylov is a trained architect turned children's book author and illustrator, as well as an editorial illustrator. She grew up in Russia and studied architecture and urban design in New York City. She has illustrated several children's books, including Love Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent by Dan Paley; Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell; and I'm Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People by Anne Broyles. Her author-illustrator projects include Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid and The High Line: A Park to Look Up To .

She has created three covers for the New Yorker . Victoria Tentler-Krylov lives just outside New York City with her family.