Natalie Rompella is the author of more than forty books and educational guides for young readers, and the winner of a Work-in-Progress grant from the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for an early version of Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners. Just like Ana, Natalie loved baking in sixth grade, and as an adult she fell in love with sled dog racing--watching it, that is! A former museum educator and elementary and middle school teacher, Natalie lives with her family in Libertyville, Illinois.

CAROL SCHWARTZ has illustrated more than 50 picture books, including My Busy Green Garden, which Kirkus called "a lovely literary and artistic rendering." Her other books include Sea Squares (an Outstanding Science Trade Book and Children's Choice award winner), The Maiden of Northland (an Aesop Accolade List book), and Thinking about Ants (an Outstanding Science Trade Book). Carol taught illustration at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and has shared her passion for illustrating at the hundreds of elementary schools, libraries, conferences, and colleges she has visited.