Silke Schnee is a journalist and works as a television producer for a public broadcaster in Cologne, Germany. She is married and has three sons. Her youngest son Noah was born in July 2008 with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). She writes: "At first when Noah was born, we were shocked and sad. The catalyst for this book was witnessing the effect he had on many people, despite being categorized as disabled. In fact, our little prince brings much love, joy, and sunshine not only to us, but to all around him. Children are a wonder, and we must see them with the eyes of our heart: each child just the way he or she is." Schnee is the co-founder of a school in Cologne, Germany, that welcomes all children regardless of their abilities and disabilities. Heike Sistig studied special education and art and is a trained art therapist. She works as an editor for children's television programming. She has illustrated several children's books, and has exhibited her collages in several galleries. She lives with her family in Cologne, Germany.