Mariane Rodriguez Dolce (DOHL-cheh) was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, the same hometown as Pura Belpré! She moved to Central Florida when she was 17. Mariane graduated from the University of South Florida with a Masters in Library and Information Science. Her focus as a librarian and teacher has always been to share literature that nurtures empathy and ignites curiosity. Having a deep love for Hispanic and American cultures and languages, she hopes this book will serve as a window into our country’s cultural richness as well as a mirror for children growing up in bicultural homes. She currently teaches second grade and lives in Florida with her husband and her two daughters. “This story came to me when my youngest daughter was a toddler and I would spend hours playing with and reading to her. Because it was important for me that she learn and appreciate her father's American culture as well as my Hispanic culture, I was intentional about exposing her to both. I learned through research that the best way to teach a child two languages is for each parent to communicate with the child using the language mom or dad is more comfortable with. Living in two cultures and practicing the traditions and customs of both came naturally to us as we feel deep appreciation for our unique heritages.” Joe Cepeda (seh-PEH-duh) received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach, and also studied Engineering at Cornell University. He is a fine artist, as well as an illustrator of more than thirty-five book jackets and picture books, which have received many honors including Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, Parenting Magazine's Reading Magic Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List, ALA Notable Books, and Child Magazine's Best Book of the Year. Joe illustrated Hey, Hey Hay! by Christy Mihaly, ¡Vamonos! Let's Go! by Rene Colato Lainez,and Swing Sisters by Karen Deans. He both wrote and illustrated the I Like to Read books--Up, I Dig, I See, I Help, and the Theodor Geisel Honoree I Hop . Joe received an American Library Association Pura Belpré Honor and the Recognition of Merit Award from the George G. Stone Center for Children's Books. He lives in Claremont, California.
