Kristin is a Toronto-based author with a PhD in Sociology and Gender & Women’s Studies who loves (in no particular order) writing children’s books, her fantastic family and friends, Popsicles and popcorn and peanut butter (but not at the same time), her goofy Bernedoodle, and working to make the world a more equal, just, and sustainable place for us all.  Before writing for children, Kristin taught in the university sector and has held many leadership positions as a gender scholar and advocate.  Kristin plays piano and loves all kinds of music. Her three children all play brass instruments in jazz bands.  She is a champion of stories that celebrate kids engaged in the creative arts as well as stories that normalize our diverse hearing and language journeys.Lauren Austin is an illustrator, writer, and former Head of the English Department at a prestigious private school in England, who now brings stories to life in through her art. She’s illustrated over 20 books, published and written her own children’s book, Bean the Bear, and designs engaging, immersive resources for teachers worldwide, across multiple subjects. Based in the Wiltshire, UK, Lauren is a passionate storyteller, a musical theatre performer, an enthusiastic world traveler, and a serious bookworm.