ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Geri (Geraldine) Guadagno dreamed of writing for children ever since she was a child. She was inspired to write Irene's story during a day of reflection and feels blessed to share God's message of love with children and their parents. Geri has also written a book about St. Joseph as well as magazine articles. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her family and dog. ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Jeffrey C. Zwartjes studied illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and eventually fell into the world of theatre and puppetry in Atlanta, Georgia. He can often be seen carving a big puppet head out of foam, or singing on stage dressed as a dog, or doing any number of odd things, always feeling especially blessed to be doing what he loves. He lives happily with his wife, a Children's Librarian who always brings home wonderful books for them to read together, and many well-meaning cats.