Lorenz Graham (1902-1989) was a pioneer in African American literature. His books include South Town, North Town, and Whose Town?, a trilogy of novels that were among the first to provide an honest portrayal of the lives of African Americans.
Ashley Bryan is the illustrator of more than thirty titles, many of them with texts he also wrote, retold, or selected. His books have been richly acclaimed and highly honored. Beat the Story Drum, Pum-Pum won the Coretta Scott King Award, and four more of his titles have been selected Coretta Scott King Honor Books. Mr. Bryan lives on a small island off the coast of Maine.