Amy Dean

Author

Amy Dean is an experienced executive producer, director, writer, and designer. Over the years, Amy has produced and directed spots, video, live events, interactive, web, special effects, graphic design, and copy for numerous organizations.

The Culinary Kid Makes Soup was Amy's first children's book. She wanted to write a book her young children would enjoy. A story that combines her love of gardening and cooking. It's her way of passing down a family tradition of gardening to her daughter, while paying homage to her late grandpa's award-winning green thumb.

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The Culinary Kid Makes a Smoothie was inspired by her son's birth and the wonderful relationship he shares with his older sister. 

Vassi Slavova

Illustrator

Originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, Vassi Slavova is an artist and mother based in Milwaukee, WI. She is a Founder and Creative Director of the motion design studio Blackbox Visual / @blackboxvisual

Even while working at her animation studio full time, she always makes time for personal illustrations and designs. Her love for children's books and telling stories through illustrations grew when she became a mother.

Vassi spends hours outdoors hiking, gardening and exploring with her two daughters, who are the biggest inspiration for the Culinary Kid book series. Her background in gardening is deeply rooted from her Bulgarian family, who taught her to garden, harvest and can fresh produce.