Margaret M. Holmes writes inspirational and self-help stories for children. In addition to A Terrible Thing Happened, she is the author of Molly's Mom Died, Sam's Dad Died, and Charlie's Brother. Margaret and her husband live near Des Moines, Iowa. Cary Pillo received her fine arts degree from Washington State University and has been an illustrator for some fifteen years. She is the illustrator of several children's books, including Jenny Is Scared! and Tibby Tried It, and her colorful characters appear in many children's magazines as well. She lives in Seattle with her husband and son, and their dog Rocket.