Eric Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1946. He received a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Lafayette College. He also has a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Illinois. He was an elementary school teacher and college professor before becoming a full-time writer. He has published over fifty titles, many of which have won state and national awards. His titles "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" won the Caldecott Honor Medal, "The Chanukkah Guest" and "Gershon's Monster" won the Sydney Taylor Picture Book Award and "Anansi and the Talking Melon" won the Utah Children's Choice Award. Kimmel travels nationally and internationally visiting schools and talking about his books… and telling stories.
Tom LaPadula: For more than 30 years, Tom LaPadula has illustrated for national and international magazines, advertising agencies, and publishing houses. He has exhibited in numerous group shows throughout the country, and his paintings are included in many private collections. Tom holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design and earned his MFA from Syracuse University.