Mo Willems is a number one New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. He has been awarded three Caldecott Honors and an Eisner Award for his picture books, and two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals and five Geisel Honors for his celebrated ELEPHANT & PIGGIE early readers. His debut picture book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was inducted into the Picture Book Hall of Fame. Mo began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards. Mo is the cofounder of Hidden Pigeon Company, established in 2023 to extend the reach of Mo Willems characters and stories across multiple platforms.

Megan Alrutz, PhD, is a professor and associate chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas, where she teaches and writes about drama and theater for youth and communities. Megan has collaborated with Mo Willems for more than 15 years as a dramaturg, director, and producer of his works for kids and families. She works nationally and internationally as a director, theater-maker, and dramaturg for theater, film, and television. Her work has premiered at the Alliance Theatre, Orlando Family Stage, Lincoln Center, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among others. Megan lives in Austin, Texas.