Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she spent most of her time reading and daydreaming. She decided to be a writer when she was ten years old, though she didn’t circle back to that idea until she was all grown up and then some. Her first book was
The Penderwicks, which won the National Book Award and was a
New York Times Bestseller. Four other Penderwicks novels, all of which received glowing accolades and were
New York Times bestsellers, followed to round out the series. She is also the author of several picture books and a chapter book. Jeanne's days involve plenty of time writing, gardening, and chasing around her two mischevious dogs.
Matt Phelan is an award-winning,
New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (
The Storm in the Barn), the Carolyn Field Award (
Around the World and
Snow White), the Jefferson Cup (
Bluffton), and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors, including
Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall and
The Higher Power of Lucky (winner of a Newbery Medal) by Susan Patron.
A TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE★ "
A tender story whose tone evokes the warmth of a much-needed hug." —
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "
A well-paced, original story with intriguing characters and intertwined threads of reality and magic." —
Booklist, starred review
★ "
Birdsall is so adept at magical realism that after finishing this book, readers will likely keep an eye out for fairylike creatures the next time they visit a museum or library." —
School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Birdsall brings together familiar fantasy tropes and always focuses on developing an enchanting world where a child can be both protector and protected....
a treasure full of wonder, mystery, and found family." —
Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Birdsall gives the coming-of-age theme a fresh spin in her inventive story, one that’s filled with endearing, quirky characters and delicious intrigue....
Enchanting." —
Kirkus Reviews
"Birdsall’s
endearing fantasy features loving and lovable new friends both human and Lahdukan, with Phelan’s winsome black-and-white illustrations interspersed." —
The Horn Book
"Birdsall has created
a magical world that readers can nestle into as they follow Gwen’s adventures." —
The Bulletin
