Miriam Schlein (1926? - November 23, 2004) was an American author who wrote nearly 100 books (in 5 decades) that helped teach children about animals and more obscure ideas such as space and time. Her books include Discovering Dinosaur Babies (1991), The Dino Quiz Book (1995), Fitzgerald's Grand Party of Excellence (2002) (although not officially 'existing', this was found in her papers after her death) and Before the Dinosaurs (1996).She died of vasculitis in Manhattan, New York at age 78.
Kate Duke was born in New York City on August 1, 1956. She attended Duke University and took art classes in New York City. She was a children's author and illustrator. Her first book, The Guinea Pig ABC, was published in 1983. Her other works include Guinea Pigs Far and Near, What Would a Guinea Pig Do?, Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One, and Ready for Pumpkins. She also provided illustrations for other authors including Joanna Cole and William Hooks. She died on April 20, 2014 at the age of 57.