Mireille Messier is a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised and now Toronto-based award-winning children's writer with a background in broadcasting and theater. Mireille has published over thirty books, some in French, others in English, for children of all ages, including the nonfiction picture book Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War. Her picture book The Branch was nominated for Shining Willow and Blue Spruce Awards and the Governor General's Literary Award. Before becoming an author, Mireille worked as a television and radio host, a scriptwriter, a book reviewer and a voice actress. Sometimes she still does those things. Mireille lives in Toronto with five cats, two birds and over one hundred goldfish (but no horses!).