The Home Builders

Varsha Bajaj (www.varshabajaj.com) grew up in a rambling house in Mumbai, India, surrounded by coconut, guava and betel nut trees. When she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. She has written two previous picture books, as well as the middle-grade novel Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was recently shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Simona Mulazzani (www.morgangayninkids.com/mulazzani/) has illustrated over seventy adult and children’s books for international publishers. She received a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators in 2013. She was born in Milan, Italy, and now lives in Pesaro, Italy.