Danica Novgorodoff

The cover of Slow Storm hints at this beautiful evocative book . I was able to view some early pages of this story of a Kentucky fire-fighter and an illegal immigrant and promise that you won't be disappointed.

Danica is a designer for First Second and is responsible for the cover design for several First Second titles, including the Printz-winning American Born Chinese.

View more of Danica's work and learn more about her at the First Second blog. Danica will be creating for Just Desserts and signing copies of her book. I can't wait!

Matt Loux

We caught up with Matt Loux (last name rhymes with "ducks") at Comicon. Salt Water Taffy, his newest title was available for the first time and we were lucky enough to get a signed copy. I just love the two brothers: Jack and Benny. (I wonder if this is a send-up to the old comedian Jack Benny?) I think they are modeled after Matt and his older brother and its not hard to guess which brother was modeled after Matt. A fun book for children with a monster salt-water-taffy-eating lobster, and this monster is a female!

Matt is also the author of Top Ten Great Graphic Novel Sidescrollers. Matt will be a creating during Just Desserts and signing copies of his books.

Meet Matt on My Space.

Misako Rocks!

Misako really truly Rocks! She participated in a panel discussion at the Splat Graphic Novel Symposium in NYC and she literally lights up the room. She is so animated that you can't help but get excited about her work.

We all know Biker Girl and New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age Rock and Roll Love. However, now there is a new Misako title to watch for and it will be coming out this fall: Detective Jermain. The story of a high school girl whose parents are world-famous detectives, she begins investigating the disappearance of a classmate. Come watch Misako create at the Bourne Mansion and get signed copies of her books. She is one charismatic artist you won't want to miss!

Check out her blog.