James Preller is the author of the popular Jigsaw Jones mystery books, which have sold more than 10 million copies. He is also the author of Bystander, named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection; Six Innings, an ALA Notable Book; and Mighty Casey, his own twist on the classic poem “Casey at the Bat.” In addition to writing full time, Preller plays in a men’s hardball league and coaches Little League. He compares coaching kids to “trying to hold the attention of a herd of earthworms.” He lives in Delmar, New York, with his wife, three children, and their cats and dog.

Abigail Burch is an illustrator working from her little studio in south London. She specializes in character-based illustration, drawing inspiration from the everyday to create bold, colorful illustrations full of joy and humor. She loves to fill her work with subtle, playful details, creating engaging, lighthearted illustrations that make you smile. Visit her online at AbigailBurch.co.uk.