Born and raised in Minnesota as an only child, Marsha Wilson Chall amused herself in daydream and now sets those dreams in the storyscapes of lakes, woods, prairie, and beyond (even France). She hopes her books invite the reader to explore new destinations, both outward and inward. Chall has published a children's chapter book and many picture books, including PICK A PUP, ONE PUP'S UP, UP NORTH AT THE CABIN, and BONAPARTE. Her books have received numerous awards: an International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award, American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Parents Choice, NAPPA Gold Award, and Smithsonian Notable recognition. When she's not writing or sharing her love of good books at schools or conferences, she enjoys teaching in the MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University. She has two grown children and lives on a small farm west of Minneapolis with her husband, dog, and barn cats.