Author Mary E. Ciesa grew up in the neighborhood surrounding Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens the former estate of rubber baron F.A. Seiberling, in Akron, Ohio. As a child, she had the magical experience of taking ballet lessons in the historic manor house. A member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Zumba® Instructor, Mary still believes in the power of hope.

Illustrator Ann Gosser is a professional freelance artist specializing in illustrating, mural painting, and fabric art. As a classical ballet dancer, Gosser and her mother gave ballet lessons to area children at the Stan Hywet manor house. The illustrations depict her fond memories of the ballerinas of Stan Hywet.