MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and a medical doctor. She is the author of the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series The Party Diaries, and the Scholastic Acorn early reader series The Inside Scouts. Mitali lives in Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.

FRANCESCA MAHANEY is a biracial (Filipino-American) illustrator based in Massachusetts. Francesca enjoys illustrating for magazines, books, educational materials, and beyond. She has an A.S. in Visual Arts and a B.F.A. in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. The Inside Scouts by Mitali Banerjee Ruths is her debut early reader series.

Praise for Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1) by Mitali Banerjee Ruths:

"This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended." -- School Library Journal

"Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving... A layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths:

"This sweet picture book about sharing Diwali will ring true in many households." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A reassuring portrayal of childhood anxieties." -- Booklist

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Pub date: 2024-02-06

Length: 64 pages