Born in Morgan City, Louisiana, Author/Illustrator Michael Verrett grew up blocks away from sugar cane fields and the unhurried Bayou Teche. Michael has authored or contributed to over 90 books writing books for elementary level, YA, novels, photo books, and one biography A former homicide detective and police sketch artist, he has also taught gifted art in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System. Michael studied writing at Louisiana State University and the Institute of Children's Literature. He studied art at Louisiana State University, the Scottsdale Art Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, and the FBI cademy. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, a board member of Creative Minds Writers of Ponchatoula, LA, a member of Louisiana Library Association, and a member of the Writers Rendezvous of the Fairwood Library in Baton Rouge. He is a past-president of the Arts Council of Livingston Parish. A former member of the Louisiana State University Operetta Chorus, he continues to perform on stage as the president of Spotlight Theater Players of Livingston parish. He attends Christ Community Church He now lives his wife Melissa Garbarino Verrett their two dogs: Romeo, and Jack-Jack (and a couple of cat-- who wish to remain anonymous).