Maryann Cocca-Leffler is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 60 books for children, including Growing Season, Same Way Ben, and The Belonging Tree. Her book Janine was inspired by her daughter, and together they have developed a corresponding website, janinesparty.com, with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. When not working in her Portland, Maine, studio, Maryann is visiting schools and libraries to share her books. Learn more about her at maryanncoccaleffler.com.