Perkins, Wendy: - Wendy Perkins adores stories--reading, watching, listening to, and conjuring them. Animals, plants, and nature are her favorite things to write about, and children are her most-beloved audience. Wendy has written more than two dozen nonfiction children's books, created science and nature-themed curriculum, crafted content for kids' websites, and more. As a staff writer for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, she shared stories that sparked understanding and appreciation of wildlife, and she hopes Guapo's story will do the same.

Wendy began her writing career by researching and writing exhibit labels and educational signs for zoos and aquariums. When she's not at her keyboard, you'll find her in her San Diego garden, where she grows vegetables, fruit, herbs, and a bounty of flowers that provide shelter and sustenance for urban wildlife.