MARY LYN RAY has written many acclaimedbooks for children, including A Violin for Elva, illustrated by Tricia Tusa;New York Times best-sellerStars, illustrated by Marla Frazee; Pumpkins, illustrated by Barry Root; and Red Rubber Boot Day and Mud, both illustrated by Lauren Stringer. She lives in South Danbury, New Hampshire. Visit www.marylynray.com.