Diane de Anda was a third-generation Latina who grew up in Los Angeles. She was a teacher, first of children and teens, and then a professor of social welfare at UCLA. Diane wrote stories from the tales told to her by her great-grandparents and grandmother about their experiences during the Mexican Revolution and beyond. After she realized the need for children’s books in which Latino children could see themselves and their families, she also wrote books where they were the main characters. Diane was the author of several picture books, including Mango Moon, 21 Cousins, and The Day Abuela Got Lost.

Emily Mendoza is a Mexican American illustrator from Southern California. She journeyed all across the United States to receive her BFA in illustration from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and is now thriving in Queens! Growing up in CA, she was always surrounded by Mexican culture and tradition where she learned more about her Hispanic roots through her family, her communication, and illustration. She loves using bright colors and vivid textures to showcase diversity and bring out excitement in her work.