Cynthia Rylant has written more than 100 children's books, from board books and picture books, to chapter books and novels. Rylant won the Newbery Medal for her novel Missing May, and a Newbery Honor for A Fine White Dust. She's also the author of two Caldecott Honor books and more than twenty Henry and Mudge chapter books. In 2006, she became the first recipient of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas. She has illustrated her own picture books as well, including Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven.
Mary Blair (1911?1978) was one of Walt Disney's most brilliant conceptual designers, helping define the look of such classics as Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Peter Pan (1953) during her 34 years with the company. She also brought her distinctive, colorful style to children's books, advertisements, theatrical set designs, and theme park attractions.