Brenda J. Viola is the President of Vici Communications LLC. An award-winning communicator who speaks and consults internationally, she has authored two non-fiction books for adults, The Public Servants' Survival Guide (2020) and How to be Heard Without Screaming (2024). Residing in paradise within walking distance of the sea lions in La Jolla, CA, she relishes any opportunity for adventure or to make lasting memories with those she loves. Annabelle the Octopus is her first children's book and the culmination of a life-long desire to collaborate with her artist sister. Visit www.brendaviola.com to learn more about how Brenda helps companies and individuals conquer in work and life.

E. Shirlee DiBacco is a professional calligrapher and artist living by the Atlantic Ocean on the "isle" of Ventnor, New Jersey with her husband, Tony. A life-long love of children's books began with the Little Golden Books her parents read to her. The tradition continued when her children, Deena and David, were born. Shirlee now reads countless books via FaceTime to her grandson, Atlas, who lives in Nicaragua. Baking, playing the ukulele, and taking the stage during local theatre productions bring her joy, and she is thrilled to collaborate with her sister, Brenda, for the very first time. She credits Philadelphia children's TV host, Gene London, for inspiring her artistic path.