A native of New Iberia, Louisiana, author and artist Paul Schexnayder is the recipient of numerous honors for both his civic involvement and his artwork. He was named Citizen of the Year by the New Iberia Daily Iberian, and he received the award for Best Animation Film at the Iberia Film Festival two years in a row. He is frequently featured as a festival poster artist, and his work has been placed in galleries and shows throughout Louisiana. His work can be found in the collections of former Louisiana governors as well as in the homes of esteemed collectors throughout the country. The author/illustrator of five previous children's books including I Know My Louisiana Colors and The Gumbo Gators, he has worked as a visual arts teacher in area schools since 1989.