Suzanne Slade is the author of over 60 books for children. Her works include picture books, biographies, as well as many non-fiction titles about animals, sports, insects, planets, and various science topics. One of her favorite parts of the writing process is researching and learning about new topics. Ms. Slade lives near Chicago with her husband, Mike, two children, and their tiny dog, Corduroy. Joan Waites has been a freelance illustrator for the past 18 years. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from DeSales University in 1982. Employment followed for 15 years as a neo-natal intensive care nurse in Philadelphia and Washington DC, while she simultaneously returned to college to study illustration and launch her freelance career. In addition to What's New at the Zoo?, Joan has illustrated nearly 40 books for the educational and trade marketplace. She is also an adjunct faculty member of The Corcoran Museum School of Art and Design in Washington, DC, where she teaches various children's classes for the college's Aspiring Artists program.