Michael Verrett grew up blocks from sugar cane fields and the unhurried Bayou Teche of southern most Louisiana. He has written, illustrated and contributed art to over 90 books. Michael studied writing at Louisiana State University and the Institute of Children's Literature. He studied art at LSU, the Scottsdale Art Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, and the FBI Academy. A former member of the LSU Operetta Chorus, he continues to perform on stage as the president of Spotlight Theater Players. Michael is a board member and past-president of the Arts Council of Livingston Parish, the president of the acting/musical troupe, Spotlight Theater Players, and a former member of the LSU Operetta Chorus. He has taught gifted art in the public school system. As a volunteer he performs programs for libraries and schools across his region. He and his wife, Melissa Garbarino Verrett, their two dogs, Romeo, and Jack-Jack, and a couple of cats.