Alexia M. Andoni has cherished children’s books her entire life—first as an eager reader, then as a teacher, and now as an author and illustrator. Inspired by family, nature, and the wonder of childhood, Alexia hopes her stories encourage readers and help children feel seen, celebrated, and full of possibility. She lives with her family in Michigan. Love Makes Our Family is her debut picture book.

Shahrzad Maydani is an illustrator and storyteller based in Maui, Hawaii, where she lives with her family. She was raised in Africa by an Iranian mother and an English father, and she spent her childhood collecting and telling stories. Shahrzad is the illustrator of the picture books Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds, Always Sisters by Saira Mir, Sourgrass by Hope Lim, and Love Makes Our Family by Alexia M. Andoni.