Mendez, Lauren Akazawa: - Lauren Akazawa Mendez is a fourth generation Japanese American children's book illustrator and graphic designer living in Washington state. Born in Southern California, she received her bachelor's degree from UCLA and taught art for eight years, but has been creating since she first drew on her sister's face at three years old. When not scribbling on something, she goes bug hunting with her little boy and husband, bakes yummy treats for friends, and stays up way too late reading fantasy novels. Visit her at www.littlelobo.com.