Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children’s books. He received the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner—for Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Leo Lionni died in October of 1999 at his home in Tuscany, Italy, at the age of 89.

Jan Gerardi has illustrated many books for children. Her Teenie Greenies series, including The Little Recycler, The Little Composter, Eco People on the Go!, and The Little Gardener, are the first books she has both written and illustrated. She lives in New Jersey with her daughter and three dogs.