about the author
ANNE MOTTOLA was born and raised on Long Island. Anne started gardening as a child, alongside her father who grew up on a farm and worked most of his life as a teacher. Anne graduated with a BA in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Virginia and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University's School of Social Welfare. Anne’s professional career began with twelve years working in
child-oriented social service agencies.
For 12 years, Anne worked as an instructor for the Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and for the past 10 years, as the lead garden instructor for the school garden she created and maintains at Osborn Elementary School in Rye, NY. Since 1989, Anne has been a freelance graphic designer for mottola ink. For over 15 years, she has worked as a tutor to elementary age children, and is a
very proud mom to her 22-year old daughter, Hannah.
In June of 2014, Anne earned her Gardening Certificate at the New York Botanical Garden. Anne enjoys most fruits and vegetables, in particular, snap peas and granny smith apples and thinks kohlrabi is the coolest one to grow.
Anne is thrilled to have fulfilled a dream of hers – creating a children’s book series with her sister Mia.
about the illustrator
MARIA MOTTOLA has been drawing since she won the Saint Agnes Elementary School poster contest in 1966. She studied at The Art Students League in New York, NY with Nicki Orbach and was a student in Sherry Camhy's private studio class. Her work has appeared in Travel and Leisure, City Limits, The Guardian, and the Village Voice as well as in numerous publications for various non-profit organizations. She has exhibited her work in the New York metro area including the STAND Art Show in Brooklyn, NY and the National Arts Club in New York, NY.