The author, Brad Burgunder, works in the mutual fund industry by day. Nana and the Banana is his first children's book.Inspired by his mother (Nana), he wrote this story for his nine nieces and nephews (all characters in the book) over many years. Brad more recently added his daughter Ava and son Marty to the story.Brad is a life-long zoo lover and has spent many days exploring its wonders with, first, his nieces and nephews, and now his young daughter and son.Brad and the illustrator, Jackie Ross, are former neighbors who live in Baltimore and frequent the Maryland Zoo.Jackie Ross is an accomplished animator and illustrator. Jackie's use of vibrant colors brings the story to life.