April Pulley Sayre was the beloved author of more than 65 nonfiction books for children and adults. Her books, renowned for their lyricism and accuracy, have been translated into several language. As a child, April spent hours picking flowers, watching insects and birds, reading books, and writing. As an adult, she did the same thing, but as a career. Her favorite part of work was researching -- reading books and magazines, calling people on the phone, and visiting museums, parks, and aquariums. April grew up in South Carolina and went to Duke University where she studied biology, especially primatology.

April said, "I tend to like off-beat animals such as dragonflies. Bats, stick insects, and leaf hoppers, too. But I've found that just about any plant, animal, or even fungus can be interesting if you approach it was an open mind, ready to learn. My advice to young writers/naturalists is to read a lot, write a lot, go outdoors, and check out all the bizarre and beautiful insects and spiders that live on the plants in your neighborhood. Like me, you'll probably be amazed by what you find living close to home."

Jialei Sun is an illustrator and children’s product developer who received her MFA in illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. She now lives in Beijing, where she tells stories through colorful, characterful, and humorous illustrations. 

• Have you ever tried pickles? Do you like them?

• Think about a time that you tried a new food. What was it? Did you like it? Why or why not?