Jo Anne Beaty grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and spent lots of time outside exploring the backyard or the nearby woods with her three brothers. The family had chickens, rabbits, and a horse—but no goat! She taught elementary school for many years. Reading stories and listening to children’s stories were always highlights for her. She enjoys reading stories with her grandchildren.

Joel R. Edwards has been creating art since he was a child. He attributes his desire to draw and paint to his mother, who was always encouraging him from a young age. After selling his first drawings of Spiderman at age fourteen, it seemed clear that, for him, art could be a lifelong pursuit. Joel now lives in Central Texas with his wife and three children, exploring the mysteries of God’s creation and the visual arts.