Ariel Vanece Author

Ariel Vanece (she/they) is a Black American author from Sacramento, California. They hold a BA in English from the University of Kansas and an MA/MFA in children’s literature and writing for children from Simmons University. Ariel’s stories focus on Black American culture and intergenerational friendships. Their stories are described as heartwarming and adventurous.

Jade Orlando was born on an army base in North Carolina and grew up in a tiny Michigan town. After an impassioned childhood spent drawing dragons and cat ladies, she earned a BFA in illustration from SCAD Savannah. Jade worked as a staff children’s apparel artist before switching to freelance full time. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, a greyhound, and four cats (including two naked ones!). When she’s not drawing, she can usually be found curled up with her cats and a really good book.