Mariessa Shein is a first-time children's book author based in New York City. After years of working in publishing and helping shape books behind the scenes, she's now bringing her own playful ideas to life for young readers. When she's not writing and editing, Mariessa volunteers at an animal rescue and fosters dogs—often drawing inspiration from her furry companions and their heartwarming adventures.

Alina Slyshik is a children’s book illustrator from Slovakia who brings stories to life with vivid colors and charming characters. She specializes in character-driven scenes filled with emotion, texture, and playful details. Her portfolio includes work for Phoenix+, Phoenix Premiere, Cocobee, Bear Tale Books, and Nagwa Readers. When she’s not illustrating, she enjoys reading, quirky films, and video games. Alina lives in Slovakia.