The Art Teacher from the Black Lagoon

Mike Thaler was born in Los Angeles, California in 1936. He started his professional career drawing cartoons for adults. A children's book editor saw one of these cartoons and encouraged Mike to try his hand at writing for children. His first attempt met with success, and The Magic Boy was published in 1961. The creator of the Letterman from PBS's show more Electric Company series, Mike Thaler has published over 130 children's books and is known by his fans as the Riddle King. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Jared Lee received a BFA degree from the John Herron Art Institute. After serving two years in the military and working for one year at Gibson Greetings as a greeting card designer, he became a free-lance illustrator in 1970. He was one of the six illustrators chosen to create the first group of McDonald's Happy Meal boxes. He has illustrated more show more than 80 children's books including the Black Lagoon series by Mike Thaler. (Bowker Author Biography) show less