• Age: 5 to 18
• Grade: k to 12

A picture book for children

Marilyn Helmer was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, moved to New Brunswick, then to Quebec, then to Ireland, then back to Canada, all before she was five years old. Perhaps that is why she loves to travel, both in North America and abroad. Marilyn's main passion though is writing for children. She discovered a knack for storytelling at a very young age when she made up wild and creative excuses for the occasional bout of mischief. In elementary school she became an avid Nancy Drew fan. With a couple of like-minded friends, she began writing and telling her own mystery stories. But it wasn't until many years later, when she started reading to her son and daughter, that Marilyn's dream of writing for children was born. Success did not happen overnight but it did happen. Marilyn's stories, poems and articles have appeared in children's magazines and anthologies in Canada and the United States. Her published books include picturebooks, chapter books, novels, riddle books and retold fairy tales.

Marilyn Helmer's profile page

For as long as she can remember, Josée Masse has always spent her free time drawing. Her father was a painter and there are many memories of her spending time with him at his studio. After studying graphic arts in Montreal, she was a graphic designer for 3 years before starting a career in illustration. She enjoys illustrating children's books as much as designing images for magazines and advertising. Josée now lives near Montreal where she spends her creative hours in her workshop.

Josée Masse's profile page