A fifth-generation Houstonian and full-time writer, Melanie Chrismer attended both Texas A&M University and Houston Baptist University. She frequently speaks at schools and libraries, giving presentations on developing writing strategies and the history of Texas as well as roping demonstrations with her practice bull, Medium-Rare. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Women Writing the West, the Texas Coalition of Authors, and the International Reading Association. David Harrington's affinity for art began at a young age, when he drew on everything-except paper. Since receiving a BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he has illustrated numerous children's books, including Pelican's Pecos Bill Invents the Ten-Gallon Hat, winner of the WWA Spur Award, Chachalaca Chiquita, Ole! Cinco de Mayo!, and The Boy Who Wouldn't Read.