Nancy Mills

Nancy Libbey Mills grew up in Northern California and went to Oregon State University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts.

 

Books from Nancy Mills include "The Knight the Moon and the Stars Got Stuck", "Hug a Bug", "Never Eat Cabbage on Thursday", and "And Dance with the Orange Cow." “ Never Eat Cabbage on Thursday” won the Silver EVVYin the Best Children's Book category in 2003 from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. She wrote the lyrics to the Jim Salestrom children's music CD, “Welcome to Garden Street.”

 

Mills's books are some of the smartest books written in the children's book genre. Children feel like they're being spoken to like adults and adults are reminded of the feelings of being a kid. There's a sophistication and there are turns of phrases not usually found in children's stories.

 

Currently, she lives in Centennial, Colorado. Mills is a 33 year Colorado resident. She has two children and two grandchildren.

 

Shan Wells

The talent and expertise that Shan Wells brings to Hug a Bug, Never Eat Cabbage on Thursday and And Dance with the Orange Cow is inspired. His illustrations illuminate the written word and his choice of color and whimsy are superb. Shan’s ability to make the simplest words into a work of art is what sets these books apart from the rest.

 

Shan is a third generation Coloradoan who sculpts, paints, designs and installs and illustrates. He’s won countless awards recognizing his impressive flair in presentation and aptitude, and especially for his dedication to excellence that exhibits his self-confident and accomplished skill. Shan is recognized across the country not only as a premiere artist but also for combining his artistic expertise with his environmental principles and values.

 

After attending Art Center College of Design in California he enrolled at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where he studied under Andrew Drummond. He’s the Political Cartoonist for the Durango Herald. He plays the guitar and is a gourmet cook.

 

Currently Shan lives in Durango where he is involved in numerous community and city activities including the annual parade and local fundraisers. He teaches at the local college. Besides his wife Regina and two children, Sienna and Anish, he also lives with Siamese runt kitty genius, Mushroom, approximately 30 assorted fish and one very large apple snail named Trotsky who never fails to amuse.

 

Sam Thiewes

Sam brings his classically trained style to The Knight the Moon and the Stars Got Stuck reflecting his ability to bring look and feel of fine art to his illustration. His subtle blending of color and design reflects his distinctive and identifiable pursuit of perfection.

 

Sam Thiewes studied art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Besides working as a freelance illustrator he’s spent time teaching at The College of Dupage, at C.S.U. and has presented countless painting workshops.

 

Sam’s work for the last fifteen years has consisted of both in studio and plein air (a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors) art depicting landscapes, wildlife, portraits and figurative works. Within the past year Sam has been concentrating on paintings of Cowgirls.

 

His art has won a variety of awards. Collectors around the world have his art hanging in their personal galleries.

 

Currently Sam lives with his wife Nancy in Ft. Collins, CO.

 

Jim Salestrom

It is a rare privilege to find an artist who touches the hearts of all who hear his music, who brings to his audiences songs which carry the listener to a place of memories or to a place of dreams.

 

Jim Salestrom is just such an artist.

 

Jim is an Emmy Award Winning Songwriter, a gifted guitarist and a seasoned performer who has been writing and recording music since he was 13. His music crosses generational boundaries and is enjoyed by fans of all ages.

 

During a career spanning the last 35 years, Jim has recorded and performed with such stellar artists as John Denver, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton, and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Academy Awards Show, and 2 HBO specials, all with Dolly Parton.

 

He has performed for four United States Presidents at the White House, and at The U.S. Supreme Court for his friend Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

 

Jim has toured and performed in Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Holland, Norway, Germany, Greece, Spain, Monaco, Corsica, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Bali, and has built a loyal following in the Rocky Mountains where he has kept a home for over 30 years

 

Anke Dammann

Anke is the author and illustrator of Chester Crumbleberry.