A poet, screenwriter, travel journalist, novelist, and writer of children's books, George Mendoza (1934-2018) established himself as a top author of his day, publishing over 100 books for children and adults worldwide. In 1968, he was awarded the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for his book The Hunter I Might Have Been. Ahead of his time in terms of packaging projects, his phenomenal energy, talent, and imagination were reflected in his many collaborations with celebrities such as Carol Burnett and Michel Legrand, renowned artists like Eric Carle and Norman Rockwell, and sports figures including Muhammad Ali and Ivan Lendl. Mendoza's love for sailing and trout fishing may be found in his editions of poetry, including Goodbye, River, Goodbye with photographs by George A. Tice. He lived most of his life in New York City with his wife, Ruth, and his children, Ashley and Ryan.

Doris Susan Smith is the author of several children's books, including The Two Rabbits and The Travels of J.B. Rabbit.