About the Author

M.E. Furman's interest in holiday traditions around the world began in fifth grade,when her class studied how children in other places celebrated Christmas. She's been interested in treats and traditions around the world ever since. M.E. (pronounced Emmy) originally wrote A WORLD OF COOKIES FOR SANTA as a project for her son's third grade class, using the countries of origin and Christmas cookies of his classmates families. 

Today, she lives with her family in the Northern Rockies where there's always a white Christmas (and often a white Valentine's day and spring break!). The one cookie they always make for Christmas is Scottish shortbread, but they enjoy trying new cookies as well.

Susan Gal received a BFA from the Art Center College of Design and worked in animation before embarking on her career as an illustrator of children's books. She lives in California.