Sally Derby is the author of numerous books for children, including the popular No Mush Today and My Steps, published by Lee & Low. Her books are notable for their heartfelt family stories told from a spot-on childlike point of view. The mother of six grown children, she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband.

Shadra Strickland is the illustrator of several children's books including Lee & Low's Bird, winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award and the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent in Illustration. Along with illustrating and writing stories, Strickland loves to make drawings during her travels around the country and the world. She lives in Baltimore, where she also teaches illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art. Her website is jumpin.shadrastrickland.com.

"Both old-fashioned and fresh-feeling, this book is thoroughly worthy of a shopping trip." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Notable for its honoring of tradition and aspiration; matter-of-fact, loving treatment of a custodial grandparent; and energetic illustrations that will inspire creative imitators." -- The Horn Book

"VERDICT A splendid choice for collections in need of picture books that feature African American characters, but, more significantly, a lovely title that celebrates imagination and the importance of family." -- School Library Journal

Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
Junior Library Guild Selection