Mk Smith Despres is the author of the First Friends board book series, as well as Night Song and There’s That Sun Again, and was named a 2024 Green Box Artist in Residence. Mk has worked as an educator for over 15 years with kids and adults with disabilities. They write, teach, and read lots of books with their family in western Massachusetts, USA.Xuan Le is an illustrator based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After graduating with a degree in graphic design from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, she pursued a full-time career in illustration, focusing on picture books. Her artwork is inspired by nature, often featuring people or homes nestled in stunning landscapes. In her spare time, Xuan enjoys experimenting with paper crafts and various materials around her home, adding a fun twist to her creative projects.