Katie Frawley holds a master’s degree in British and American literature and works as a creative writing teacher. She is also the author of Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places. Katie lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with her husband, five children, and a scruffy rescue pup named Gus. Visit her online at katiefrawley.wordpress.com. In this photo, Katie can be seen navigating the Gulf Stream on the sloop Hawkeye at age fourteen. Her father looks on from the background.Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library coloring-in competition. He went on to study animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books including Rudey’s Windy Christmas and Callum’s Incredible Construction Kit, which won the 2013 Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever!. Ben lives and works in Brighton.

“Pays homage to Virgina Lee Burton’s Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel and The Little House. This story has everything. Ideal for reading aloud . Lovely.” — School Library Journal (starred review)“Mantle’s illustrations are rich with bright nautical tones. In the vein of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. Sweet.” — Kirkus Reviews“The duo’s relationship easily echoes that between caregiver and child in this peppy maritime tale about the anchoring support that allows independence to grow.” — Publishers Weekly