During her years of mothering and teaching and grandmothering, “Nonna Debora” has enjoyed reading to her son, granddaughters, nieces and nephews, and all the book-hungry children who’ve been part of her circle of friends. She designed RhymeTime Storybooks with large, easy-to-read type, and hopes these tales will help children learn empathy, tolerance, and resilience.

Debora Emmert (Nonna Debora)     Author / Creator of RhymeTime storybooks

Debora Emmert (Nonna Debora to her half-Italian grandchildren) enjoys creating stories based on the wisdom she learned from her mother and father, as well as from reading Aesop’s Fables during visits to her grandparents’ farm. Most of her tales are inspired by the life lessons she learned as a child.

Debora holds a BA in English from Quincy University, and a Master in Education from the University of Wisconsin.

Bonnie J. Murray     Illustrator of Willie / Mural Painter

Bonnie J. Murray has a Master of Arts in studio painting, and has specialized in commercial and residential murals during her years in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area. Bonnie enjoys painting a scene for a book’s page as much as for a large architectural space. Though the size and scale differ, she says interpreting the author’s vision is fun and exciting for her.

Bonnie enjoys many hobbies, including visiting museums and galleries, working on home improvement projects, and listening to live music. Above all, Bonnie and her husband, Steve, value time with their six children and their families.

Joan Michelson     Artist / Best Friend of Jack the Cat

Joan Michelson’s whimsical illustrations bring a smile to pet lovers of all ages. Over the years Joan has mothered many animal family members, but Jack the Cat is one of her favorites. His antics are the inspiration for the Jack the Cat stories.

“Auntie Joan” (a great-aunt plus grandmother of seven) has created art in every form her entire life. Since retiring as an elementary school teacher she enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating jewelry in her studios in Florida and North Carolina. She regularly travels to New York and London art museums to feed her artistic inspiration. Her bold, elemental illustrations are influenced by Chagall, Matisse and Hockney.

Murray Lewis     Artist / Illustrator of Hip Hop No. 1: Big, or Small, or Blue

Murray Lewis enjoys drawing anything and everything he can think of, from scary monsters to superheroes and (of course) bouncing bunnies. From an early age, Murray has loved creating colorful characters, getting his inspiration from the countless tales his parents read to him as a child. His love of children’s books and passion for creating illustrations that bring stories to life inspired Murray to pursue illustration as a career. He is currently enrolled in Film and English Studies at the University of East Anglia. After earning his BA, he plans to complete a Masters in Illustration.