The Tale of the Oki Islands: A Tale from Japan

Suzanne I. Barchers, Ed.D., began a career in writing and publishing after fifteen years as a teacher. She has written over 100 children's books, two college textbooks, and more than 20 reader's theater and teacher resource books. She previously held editorial roles at Weekly Reader and LeapFrog and is on the PBS Kids Media Advisory Board for the next generation of children's programming. Suzanne also plays the flute professionally—and for fun—from her home in Stanford, California. Suzanne is the author of Problem Solved! Readers and can be found online at www.suzannebarchers.com.

Hiromitsu Yokota earned his fine arts degree from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan. His subtle digital illustrations have the appearance of traditional hand-drawn pastels. His artwork is meant to convey 'happiness, here and now.'