Branch: A Resurrection Story

Rebecca Janni is the author of Spin (Grosset & Dunlap), Jammy Dance (FSG), and the Cowgirl picture book series (Dutton). Branch began as a poem she wrote for her church’s Easter celebration.. As research for the story, Rebecca examined the role of trees in the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—and read various biblical translations, looking for every mention of trees, branches, vines, and seeds. A native of Iowa, Rebecca recently moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she lives with her family.  Visit her website at rebeccajanni.com.

Michelle Carlos is a Filipina artist based in Stuttgart, Germany. She has illustrated almost a dozen books for children and young adults, including The Roach King of Raleigh (Blink), Past Watchful Dragons (Word on Fire), A Little Bit of Everything (Sleeping Bear), and Nikki Grimes’ Lullaby for the King (Beaming). Michelle’s work for Branch draws from her Catholic upbringing, her interest in the universe’s origins, biblical trees and birds, and other subjects.  Follow Michelle on Instagram @misheru_does_art and visit her website at michellecarlos.com.