Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including
Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels,
Skylark and
Caleb's Story;
Edward's Eyes;
The True Gift;
Waiting for the Magic;
White Fur Flying;
Fly Away; and
Snow Horses. She lived in western Massachusetts.
Micha Archer illustrated
The Wise Fool,
Lola's Fandango,
Prairie Days, and
Snow Horses, and wrote and illustrated
Daniel Finds a Poem. Working in collage and oil, her use of color and pattern is influenced by the folk art, crafts, and architecture of the countries she has visited and lived in. She realized the importance of the book as a teaching tool after teaching kindergarten and raising two children. Micha divides her time between Costa Rica and western Massachusetts, where she lives in the house she and her husband built, surrounded by gardens and forest to roam in.