Merry Moosey Christmas - Tapa dura

George A. Smith is an outdoor writer, newspaper columnist honored with awards from the Maine Press Association, television show host, and former executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the state’s largest sportsmen’s organization. He writes monthly columns for The Maine Sportsman magazine (for more than 30 years), a weekly editorial-page column for central Maine’s two daily newspapers (for twenty years), and a blog for Downeast magazine’s website (started in 2009). He is co-host of a unique weekly television show called Wildfire, a talk show now in its 11th year, focused on conservation and environmental issues and seen on the Time Warner cable stations throughout the state (in 312,000 homes) and the internet (www.wildfiremaine.tv). He is the father of three children and grandfather of two boys. In addition to his family, his interests include hunting, fishing, birding, writing, reading, and eating. He is very fond of Maine’s micro-brews.

Russ Cox was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the back woods of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like a television set or running water, he spent his time drawing and whittling away the hours. After graduating from art school, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design and illustration. He opened his own studio, Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently specializes in illustration for children. He is the illustrator of “Freddie the Frogcaster” and “Whatever, Says Mark.” When not drawing, running amok in the snow, or training his four cats to sing Bohemian Rhapsody, Russ enjoys some quiet time, working on his picture book stories. He also enjoys playing the banjo but his wife would prefer him to play the triangle or build a soundproof room.

Lynn Plourde is the author of more than 25 children's books, including "Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud," "Wild Child," "At One in a Place Called Maine," and "You're Wearing THAT to School?!" She also co-authored the graphic novel "Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness" with Donn Fendler. Lynn's books have won a variety of honors, including Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, Junior Library Guild selection, Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book, IPPY Bronze Medal, Lupine Honor Awards, Los Angeles Times Best Children s Book, Maine Literary Award, and Oppenheim Gold Award. Lynn is a Maine native who grew up in Skowhegan and currently lives in Winthrop with her husband Paul Knowles. She enjoys reading, walks, snowshoeing, and kayaking.