About

Jo Pittman is a sea otter-loving licensed school and mental health counselor and a board-certified music therapist. She spent a summer in Southeast Alaska, where she encountered sea otters whose playful, sensitive nature helped her navigate her own journey with chronic illness. These experiences inspired the creation of Sandy the Sea Otter. Drawing from her lived and professional experience with invisible chronic illness, Jo incorporates principles of bibliotherapy — using stories as tools for healing and identity development — to support others as they find creative ways to express their inner world and practice resilience. 

Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.