Ruth Krauss (1901-1993) is the author of over thirty books for children, including the classics The Carrot Seed, illustrated by her husband, Crockett Johnson, and A Hole Is to Dig, illustrated by Maurice Sendak.

"Ruth Krauss's intuitive ability as a writer to capture the free-spirited thought processes and laughter of young children ensures her books' widespread acceptance and timeless appeal." So concludes her entry in children's Books and Their Creators (1995).,

Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York. He began by illustrating other authors' books for children, but the first book that he both wrote and illustrated was Kenny's Window, published in 1956.

In his lifetime, he illustrated over 80 books, and received many awards, including the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are.

In 1970 he was the first American to win the Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator's Medal. He passed away in May 2012.