LOURDES HEUER is a children's book author and poet. She was born in Spain to Cuban immigrant parents, then moved to the United States in 1984. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is an Associate Professor of English at Broward College. She lives in South Florida with her husband, son and three dogs. Originally from South Texas, MARISSA VALDEZ is a two times #1 NY Times bestselling children's book illustrator and author. She's a 2016 graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she received a BFA in Animation. She loves to illustrate stories that are overflowing with humor, wit, and totally out-there situations. In her spare time, Marissa gets her illustration inspiration by wandering around natural science museums, watching super-cool dinosaur documentaries and playing with her two fat cats in Birmingham, UK.
"One of Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids 2022 One of Chicago Public Library's Best Fiction Books for Young Readers 2022 One of Betsy Bird's Best 2022 Early Chapter Book picks ""[H]umorous and heartwarming . . . Readers will look forward to more adventures with Esme in this welcome addition to early chapter book collections."" —School Library Journal ""[T]he playful text features zippy dialogue, bullet-pointed lists, and plenty of pleasing repetition for beginning readers . . . Like the best bashes, this early-reader series debut is amusing and inviting."" —Booklist ""This book sticks into your head and you keep wanting more.” —The BabySpot"