About the Author & Illustrator
Author – Lauren Wade
As a child, Lauren Wade always had a book in her hands. She credits her
parents for fostering her love of reading. Lauren knew at a very young
age, that she would have a career nurturing that same passion for reading
in young children. She graduated from Towson University in Maryland
with a degree in Elementary Education. Her career in education began by
teaching 4th grade. Craving the opportunity to aid struggling readers, she
later became a Reading Resource teacher.
Lauren currently resides in Maryland with her husband, a police officer in Washington, D.C., and their 2-year-old son. She continues her career as a Reading Resource teacher, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Reading Instruction.
Illustrator – Tara Hannon
Professional Illustrator Tara J. Hannon received her bachelor’s degree in Illustration at
Kutztown University in 2006. Since then she has created her own company, Meant for a Moment Designs,
that specializes in custom illustration for books and all occasions. All of her illustrations are
hand drawn and then colored digitally to capture a bright and whimsical feel. She works happily
from her home office in Crownsville, MD and is thrilled to be a part of My Dad is My Hero. When her
nose isn’t stuck in a sketchbook she can be found jogging at the park, dancing around her house, or
enjoying what the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.