Bernard Mensah

Bernard Mensah grew up in Ghana, climbing trees, playing soccer, and dreaming up stories at the library. Bernard now lives in the United Kingdom with his two rambunctious boys, where he works in software and writes stories. He is passionate about Black and African representation in publishing and founded HabermanNerds to nurture and promote African storytelling. Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything) is his debut and the first of several children's books.

Raissa Figueroa is the illustrator of several picture books, including Coretta Scott King Honor Award recipient We Wait for the Sun by Katie McCabe & Dovey Roundtree, and the Oona picture book series by Kelly DiPucchio. She lives outside of San Diego.