Imagine, if you will, the aerial dance of fireflies taking flight on a midsummer's eve, accompanied by a summertime symphony of frogs and cicadas, harmonizing as darkness falls. The rhythmic sounds of the outdoor concerto build to a crescendo, then fade into the night air until the next midsummer's dance.

Bill Kirk's writing has been influenced by his travels on five continents. His goal is to challenge the imagination of his readers, young and old, by exploring everyday life, simply and profoundly, and having fun in the process. Bill and his wife have made Northern California their home since 1985.

In addition to stories written in rhyme, Bill writes fiction and satire. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and other publications. Bill writes rhyming picture books, A Midsummer's Dance, My Grandma's Kitchen Rules!, Bill is also the author of a series of non-fiction picture books: THE SUM OF OUR PARTS on various anatomical systems in the human body, and educational rhyming books: There's a Spider in My Sink! and There's a Beetle in my Bed! Visit Bill at http: //www.billkirkwrites.com

Clara Batton Smith grew up running around Jacksonville, Florida (barefoot whenever possible). After flirting with the idea of becoming an opera singer at University of Florida she switched her focus to the back of the stage with costume design. Clara pursued the theatre in Chicago, designing for various companies such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Children's Theatre and Billy Goat Factory Films. She fell in with a group of fabulous visual artists, the Chicago Artists' Collective and was fortunate enough to show her art besides these talented people throughout spaces in Illinois. Love moved Clara from Chicago to Melbourne, Australia where she lives with her wonderful husband and has become quite obsessed with koalas.

The artwork in this book is dedicated to all of the "camping" families especially John Brent who trekked all of us kids through the Okefenokee guided only by moonlight.