Anita Riggio was raised in Clifton, New Jersey, and holds a degree in theater from the University of Hartford. She says that as a child she entertained thoughts of becoming a detective, a reporter, an actress, a director and an artist. And today, as a children's book author and illustrator, an art instructor, a wife, and a mother of two children, Ms. Riggio says she gets to do most of those things. She has illustrated Beethoven's Cat and Wiggie Wins the West, both by Elisabet McHugh. Her first picture book, Wake Up, William!, was published by Atheneum in 1987. Ms. Riggio lives in Wethersfield, Connecticut, with her family. Ms. Riggio is the author and illustrator of Smack Dab in the Middle, Beware the Brindlebeast, Secret Signs, A Moon in My Teacup, Gert & Freida, and Wake Up William! as well as illustrator of The Whispering Cloth, Coal Mine Peaches, Dad Gummit & Ma Foot, and other picture books. Her story "Bingo" appears Such a Pretty Face, a collection of short stories on beauty for young adults. Anita's highly acclaimed Coveside Writing Workshops are offered annually in the fall. Additionally, Anita offers individual mentoring packages. Information may be found at www.covesidewritingworkshop.com. Anita is a faculty mentor in the MFA in Creative Writing Program at Lesley University. Anita Riggio is the founder and producer of Fat Chance Production Group, LLC which develops and produces musical theatre. She is currently collaborating as writer and lyricist with A-list composer, Larry Farrow on Brind!ebeast, a radically inclusive, classically scored, new American musical.