Russell Hoban is the author of more than 20 books for children and adults. He is perhaps best known for his character Frances the badger, featured in A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams, and the modern classic The Mouse and His Child. He passed away at the age of 86 in 2011.