Julie Steines and her three-pound registered therapy dog, Norbert, have built a global audience of two million highly engaged followers, known as The Norberthood. Through social media she promotes kindness, compassion, and spreading smiles. Julie and Norbert volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, and charitable causes to bring comfort and smiles to people of all ages. Her websites are Norberthood.com and PollyParkerPress.com.

Virginia Freyermuth, MFA, PhD, artist and national award-winning art educator, is the coauthor of Norbert’s Little Lesson’s for a Big Life. She illustrated Norbert’s children’s book series, along with her writing partner and daughter Julie Steines, winning nine prestigious book awards. Together they are owners of Polly Parker Press, a kindhearted education and publishing company. Her website is VirginiaFreyermuth.com.