Derrick Barnes is the author of Like Lava in My Veins, Santa's Gotta Go!, the New York Times bestsellers The Queen of Kindergarten, The King of Kindergarten, and I Am Every Good Thing, which won the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award and the Kirkus Prize, and Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which received a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Honor, the Kirkus Prize, and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. He also wrote the bestselling chapter book series Ruby and the Booker Boys. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and their four sons.Shamar Knight-Justice also illustrated Ari J.’s Kinky Curly Crown and Ari J.'s Firefly Rescue (both by Ain Heath Drew), Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince (by Alliah L. Agostini), and Repeat After Me: Big Things To Say Every Day (by Jazmyn Simon). His artwork focuses on mixed media and unique textures and patterns. He intentionally highlights Black and Brown children in his work because he believes that the fullness of their identities should be displayed, but are often overlooked in picture books. He is currently the Principal of Ethos Classical elementary school, where he is inspired daily by the stories and imaginations of his students. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

* "Barnes (The King of Kindergarten) honors older siblings’ contributions to family dynamics. Rasheed’s first memory is of elder brother Anthony, whose ‘electric smile’ welcomed him to the family. . . . As Rasheed grows, Anthony’s guidance extends to building and toppling block towers, braving scary storms, and jumping into puddles. Stylized illustrations from Knight-Justice (Big Tune) layer bold patterns to capture the brothers’ bond and joy in each other’s company as Anthony both claims his own space and reassures Rasheed that, no matter what, ‘I got you.’ And when their parents announce a new addition, Rasheed is more than ready to take the reins, having learned from Anthony how to be a steady sibling, and echoing his older brother’s promise to the infant. It’s a touching work that models secure attachments and strong sibling connections.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review* “Anthony leaves Rasheed with perhaps the greatest lesson of all: how to be a supportive big brother himself. Narrated by Rasheed, Barnes’ text is elegant in its simplicity, loving yet never saccharine, and always emotionally honest. Using varied perspectives, Knight-Justice’s richly hued, collagelike digital illustrations combine a patchwork of textures and patterns, immersing readers in this affectionate Black family’s world . . . bringing to life an idyllic suburban setting. Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review* “This moving picture book depicts a loving Black family with a strong bond between siblings. Barnes’ simple, beautiful narrative is illuminated by Knight-Justice’s expressive, digital illustrations. An enjoyable picture book for reading aloud in families with children who wonder about becoming an older sibling.” —Booklist, starred review* “In rhythmic, first-person narration, Rasheed recounts how his older sibling gently guides him through the big and small lessons of growing up. . . . Barnes captures the emotional richness of sibling relationships with honesty and tenderness, delivering a satisfying resolution in the final pages. . . . Knight-Justice’s gorgeous collage and digital illustrations wrap the family in a visual atmosphere of warmth and creativity. Textured backdrops layer musical notes, leaves, and geometric forms, evoking rhythm, growth, and care. Characters are depicted in a range of brown skin tones, grounding the story in a joyful and lovingly rendered Black family. The boys’ bond stays visually centered, even as the world around them shifts. A deeply affirming portrayal of sibling dynamics and growing up. Highly recommended for collections exploring family, emotional resilience, and love in all its quiet forms.”—School Library Journal, starred review