Monique Aiken is a first-generation Jamaican American and a strategy consultant, entrepreneur, and podcast host. She lives in a 100-plus year old house in New Jersey with her husband and son—the original "Cutie Patootie" who inspired the book.Amanda Calatzis holds an MFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She is the illustrator of Mister Rogers' Gift of Music and author-illustrator of Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song. Amanda lives in New York's Hudson Valley with her husband, two children, and three senior dogs.