Pam Saxelby’s books reflect her ability to tap into children’s emotional world: their questions, worries, and joys. After 25 years in the classroom as an early childhood educator, Pam pursued her life-long love of children’s literature and began writing her own books. The Great Grace Escape is the third in a series of books inspired by Pam’s grandchildren. Other titles include Max and Bear and Josie the Great. Pam and her husband, Bill, split time between Chicago, the Florida Keys, and Brooklyn, New York. The Great Grace Escape was illustrated by Pam’s daughter, Anne Saxelby, founder and co-owner of Saxelby Cheesemongers in New York City. In addition to being a national leader in the artisan food movement, Anne is an artist who graduated from NYU’s studio art program. Anne illustrated Josie the Great (which was inspired by her children) and created the illustrations for The Great Grace Escape, based on her young niece. Anne and her family live in Brooklyn.