Lensey Namioka was born in China and moved to the United States when she was nine. Her husband is Japanese and she is interested in both Japan and China, so she has written books about both places. She attended Radcliffe College and the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in mathematics. She decided she liked being a writer better than being a mathematician. She's been writing for 30 years, and her books have received several recognitions. Lensey lives in Seattle, Washington.
Aki Sogabe was in middle school when she imitated a paper cutting illustration using origami paper, and ever since she has loved to practice the ancient art form of Japanese paper cutting. Sogabe started to introduce this art form to Northwest in 1978 and now her works are included in the collection of the State of Washington and the State of Oregon Public Art, Fort Lewis Army Reservation in Washington and many others. Her works are displayed at more than 30 public schools from elementary through college in Washington State.Her public art is installed in the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Nikkei Manor and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle. She is also known as a children's book illustrator. She received The Golden Kite Honor Book Award in Illustration for "The Loyal Cat." Her original illustrations were selected to the NY Public Library 100 Books for Reading & Sharing and The Society of Illustrators, "The Original Show" in New York. She lives in Bellevue, Washington with her husband, Bill and beloved Akita dog named, "Princess Bear."
