Family of Friends

Varsha Bajaj (VarshaBajaj.com) is the author of the middle grade novels Thirst (a New York Times bestseller and Global Read Aloud selection) and Count Me In. She also wrote the picture books A Garland of Henna, The Home Builders (an Imagination Library selection), and This Is Our Baby, Born Today (a Bank Street Best Book). She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master's degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by books, which helped her learn about the culture.

She lives in Houston, Texas. Ishaa Lobo (IshaaLobo.com) is a children's book illustrator who lives in London. Her art follows themes of nature, comfort, and snippets of everyday life, and she often draws inspiration from her childhood.