Robert J. Blake's research for his books is as painstaking--and sometimes as adventurous--as his paintings. To create Togo, he spent weeks traveling in Alaska, retracing the route of Togo and Seppala's heroic journey. Blake is also the author and illustrator of another amazing dog tale: Akiak, winner of the Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Literature. He has written and illustrated many other outstanding books as well, including Fledgling, The Angel of Mill Street, and Riptide. When not doing research or making school visits around the country, Robert resides in New Jersey. You can visit Robert online at RobertJBlake.com.