In 1961, the year of the Ox, I was hatched from an opal colored dragon egg that lay in a dung heap on a skunk cabbage farm near my parent’s house. Taking pity on me, they raised me as one of their own, but always wondered about me. They knew I was “different” from my brothers somehow. www.ralphmasiello.com

Awards

Charlotte Award NYSRA, Society of Illustrators Certificate of Merit, ABA Kids’ Pick of the Lists, NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Early Childhood News Director’s Choice Award, ABC Best Books for Children, IRA/CBC Children’s Choices

3 Fun Facts

1. I love sharks, but am terrified of frogs.
2. I am an extreme skier, but a bad skater.
3. I love to fly on airplanes but am afraid of balconies.