Written by EMILY STREM
Emily Strem has worked with children and adults in social-emotional learning, mentoring and life coaching capacities for over 25 years. She loves guiding children to navigate friendships, develop empathy, build confidence and trust their inner voice. With an educational background in human development from Cornell and Columbia, Emily continues to cultivate her passion for teaching and learning alongside her students, teachers and clients.
Inspired by heartfelt conversations on the hiking trails of Arizona’s magical red rocks with her two teenage daughters, supportive husband, and playful Sheepadoodle Roxy, the characters in Emily’s books emerge.
Illustrated by Maria Andrieieva
Maria Andrieieva is an illustrator and artist with a rich background in creativity and design, shaped by her studies at the Faculty of Architecture. Her passion for painting has led her to explore a wide range of techniques and styles, with a special love for illustrating children’s books. Through her whimsical and heartfelt artwork, she seeks to convey emotions and immerse readers in magical, fairy-tale worlds.
Deeply inspired by the wonders of nature and the beauty of everyday moments, Maria finds joy in transforming simple things into extraordinary visual stories. She shares her love for art through teaching painting to children and adults, helping them discover the joy of creativity and the fulfillment of bringing their own visions to life.