Rebecca Van Slyke studied marine biology at Olympic Community College, received a teaching degree from Western Washington University, and got an MFA in writing for children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The author of several books for young readers, she teaches second grade. You can visit her website here.

Anca Sandu was born in Romania and studied children’s illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge, England. She works as a freelance designer, and Churchill’s Tale of Tails was her first picture book. She lives in Oregon. You can visit here website here.

“This is not the usual story of industry triumphing over sloth….it’s refreshing to see a fable in which a generous spirit mitigates the usual ‘gotcha’ ending.” —Publishers Weekly

“Schnitzlein keeps readers aware of the yin and yang of the characters’ relationship without judging them, employing a pleasing pattern of language and syntax—and a few unexpected twists…. Fun, a few surprises, and something to ponder.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Sandu’s cheerful, digitally colored pencil illustrations contain plenty of amusing details, wonderfully capturing the different energies of the characters. Schnitzlein’s humorous story surprises in its sympathy toward both characters….a refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist

Best STEM Books—ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC, 2021

Children’s Gallery Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022

Danny Schnitzlein studied creative writing at Eckerd College and holds a BS degree from the University of Florida. He lives in Georgia.

Anca Sandu was born in Romania and studied children’s illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge, England. She works as a freelance designer, and Churchill’s Tale of Tails was her first picture book. She lives in Oregon. You can visit here website here.

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2020

Rebecca Van Slyke studied marine biology at Olympic Community College, received a teaching degree from Western Washington University, and got an MFA in writing for children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The author of several books for young readers, she teaches second grade. You can visit her website here.

Anca Sandu was born in Romania and studied children’s illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge, England. She works as a freelance designer, and Churchill’s Tale of Tails was her first picture book. She lives in Oregon. You can visit here website here.

“Debut author-illustrator Sandu has crafted a fine addition to the piggy picture-book canon. The silly cartoon illustrations of Churchill with his various tails are sure to make toddlers giggle. And the tale’s themes of individuality, identity and forgiveness are nicely presented. Hope for much more from Sandu.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[Sandu] has a strong a sense of visual craft, and her compositional, character, and comic skills are equal to those of many veterans… The self-possessed Churchill, rendered as a soft peach biomorph with tiny eyes, is a wonderful creation…” ―Publishers Weekly

“Sandu’s debut effortlessly blends whimsy, adventure, a message of forgiveness, and irresistibly cute animals. Delightful details pack each page and will have young readers giggling long after the tale itself (tails themselves?) have lost their novelty.” ―Booklist

“A gentle pastel palette of digitally created scenes features the lightest touch of texture and shading of Churchill, his animal friends, and their surroundings… in this delightful dose of fantasy.” ―School Library Journal

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“Silly digital illustrations of Churchill sporting his array of tails accompany this whimsical story of vanity gone wild.” ―The Horn Book Guide

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Children’s Choices ―International Literacy Association, Children’s Book Council, 2015

South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2015-2016

Best Spiritual Book of the Year List ―Spirituality and Practice, 2014

Anca Sandu was born in Romania and studied children’s illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge, England. She works as a freelance designer, and Churchill’s Tale of Tails was her first picture book. She lives in Oregon. You can visit here website here.