Carmela D'Amico is the author of the Ella the Elephant series. Throughout childhood she made up stories about characters she'd invented, a pastime she still enjoys. Currently she is exploring other imaginary characters but hopes to return to Ella someday. Before writing for children she freelanced for local newspapers, wrote short fiction for adults and turned out the occasional poem. When not writing, she can be found playing Scrabble or the piano, taking a road trip or making lentil soup. She lives in rainy Seattle with her husband Steve and their daughter Olivia.