Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the award-winning author of several children’s books, a member of The Brown Bookshelf, and former Board member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). She is a two-time African American Literature Book Club bestseller and edited the WNDB anthology The Hero Next Door. She’s contributed to several collections, was recently commissioned to write the Operation Sisterhood stage adaptation, and has written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, and classic hip-hop fanzines, like the iconic Right On! and Word Up!. Olugbemisola has worked extensively in youth development; she was twice awarded a public service fellowship from the Echoing Green for her work with girls and was the 2024 writer-in-residence at Bank Street School for Children. Olugbemisola lives with her family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep.

Charis Jackson Barrios, a.k.a. Charis JB, is a Black and Paraguayan artist raised and based in the American South, drawing from all corners of their multicultural upbringing. Their work is continually inspired by the women, textiles, flora, and vibrant colors of their cultivated background. Charis graduated with a degree in fine art from the distinguished art school Cooper Union in New York City. As a commercial artist, she has worked with several notable clients, including Google, The New Yorker, and Disney. From her studio practice, she hopes her work can find a home in any space that wishes to invite an eclectic spirit, a soft elegance, or some modern cool. Charis presently lives and works from their cozy mid-century home studio.