Denise Lewis Patrick was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She attended local schools and earned a degree in Journalism from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1977. That same year, she moved to New York City. She has been both a writer and editor in various areas of the publishing industry, particularly for children. In addition to being a published author, Denise is an adjunct professor of writing at a local college. She’s also worked with budding writers in an afterschool program, has managed middle and high school writing programs.

Rodney S. Pate has been illustrating books for children for more than twenty years, and his fine art work has been exhibited at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. Currently Pate also works as a graphic designer for a software company. He lives in Bloomfield, New Jersey.