When James Burks was little there was only one thing that he wanted to be when he grew up; a light saber wielding, truck driving space pirate with a monkey for a first mate. But since his parents refused to buy him a monkey he had to choose the next best thing; a pen wielding, father of two with a lovely wife, two cats, two dogs, a constant hunger for Mexican food, a love of running marathons, writing stories and drawing pictures about anything and everything he can imagine. This led James to a long career working in animation on various feature films and television shows including Space Jam, the Iron Giant, the Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Wow Wow Wubbzy, the Bravest Warriors and most recently the reboot of the Power Puff Girls (just to name a few).

James is also a published author who has written and illustrated numerous books for kids including his long running six book graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel published by Scholastic/Graphix which has been translated into Czech, Spanish, French, Castilian and even Farsi (the pirated edition in Iran). His other published works include Gabby and Gator (Yen Press), Beep and Bah (Carolrhoda), Pigs and a Blanket (Disney/Hyperion), and When Pigs Fly (Disney/Hyperion). He recently sold his next graphic novel series called Agent 9: It’s Mission Time! in a two book deal to Penguin/Random House which will be published starting in 2021.

Jessica Young grew up in Ontario, Canada. The same things make her happy now as when she was a kid: dancing, painting, music, digging in the dirt, picnics, reading, and writing. When she was little, she wanted to be a tap-dancing flight attendant/veterinarian, but she's changed her mind! The only thing she loves as much as writing is sharing the creative process with students.

Jessica’s award-winning picture books, early readers, and chapter books span a variety of reading levels and interests. They include I'll Meet You in Your Dreams, the Fairylight Friends early reader series, the Haggis and Tank Unleashed early chapter book series, My Blue is Happy, Play This Book and Pet This Book, A Wish is a Seed, the Finley Flowers chapter book series, Spy Guy the Not-So-Secret Agent, and her latest board book—Baby's Here!

Find out more about Jessica’s books and read what teachers are saying about Jessica’s virtual and in-person school visits at: www.jessicayoungbooks.com.