John Hare worked as a production artist, graphic designer, and art director before realizing that he wanted nothing more than to bring stories to life for young readers. His acclaimed debut picture book, Field Trip to the Moon, was called a "close encounter of the best kind" by Kirkus Reviews and was named to numerous best-of-the-year lists. John Hare spent much of his youth drawing comics, writing silly stories, and exploring the countryside of Southeast Kansas. One time, he had several bait minnows left over after going fishing, so he put them in his goldfish aquarium, figuring he'd scoop them out the next time he went fishing. That fishing trip came and went, and well . . . let's just say the minnows lived happily ever after in the aquarium. The artist now lives in Missouri with his wife, two sons, and dog. He still loves to draw, write, and fish, but now he uses lures--like Alphonso!