A woman with light skin and shoulder-length brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing glasses and a colorful top with purple, blue, and green tones, gold earrings, and a gold necklace.

Author & Illustrator

Susan Maupin Schmid

is the author of Lost Time published by Philomel and the 100 Dresses series of middle-grade books published by Random House. If the Magic Fits was a Junior Library Guild selection and has been translated into German and Polish. The magical 100 Dresses were inspired by Susan’s lifelong love of fashion and sewing. When not exploring fabric stores in search of the perfect fabric, Susan volunteers as a docent at Terrace Hill. Susan lives in Iowa with her family.

Tara Gartin, illustrator of the children’s picture book titled ‘No Company for Christmas’, featuring the historic mansion, Terrace Hill in Des Moines, Iowa

has designed for Story Theater Company in Ames, Iowa, for 10 years. From sets to projections to digitally-animated backdrops, Tara delights in bringing settings and characters to life. She has created art for numerous organizations and businesses, including illustrating a commemorative picture book, Cy’s Surprise, for the Iowa State University Alumni Association. When not painting, Tara loves a competitive match of pickleball and long strolls with her dog, Rosie.

Tara Gartin