Joëlle Retener (they/them) is a Kreyol American children’s author from the Washington, DC, metro area. A proud Spelman College graduate, Joëlle is passionate about sharing stories that celebrate Black pride and Queer joy. When they are not writing, you can find them gardening or tending to their small homestead. Joëlle lives in a cabin in the woods with their partner and three tiny humans.

Sarah Walsh (she/her) has spent the last two decades creating children’s book illustrations, large paintings, pattern design, hand lettering, and much more. Sarah received her BFA in Graphic Design in upstate New York where she grew up. She currently lives in Kansas City with her partner, their son, and various pets. She works from her sunny and plant-filled studio nearby. To find out more, see SarahWalshMakesThings.com.