ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Deanna K. Burton, author of Willie’s ABC Day, has been a professional educator since 1976. During her career, she has taught various subjects in grades one through eight. She received her B.A. degree from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. She received her Reading Specialist and Master’s degree from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. She and her husband, Brady, have three sons. Deanna is currently teaching at Susan B. Anthony Middle School in Manhattan, Kansas.

Sharon K. Beems, illustrator of Willie’s ABC Day, has been a professional art educator since 1977. During her career, she has taught art in grades four through eight. She received her degree from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri. She has done graduate work at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Sharon also holds Professional Rescue and Water Safety Instructor certification through the Red Cross. She and her husband, Brad, have two children. Sharon currently teaches in Clay Center, Kansas.