Sam's Secret
About the Author

Stephanie Comella

Stephanie Comella received her BA in Communications and Theatre in 1999 from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. She grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado where she was continuously involved in community theatre. College took her from the Rocky Mountains to the San Juan Valley where she lived for five years with her yellow lab, Aspen. Today, Aspen and Miss Comella reside in Southern California where they enjoy the sunny weather and taking walks on the beach. Inspired by the beautiful ocean sunsets, Miss Comella began writing children's stories. She currently works out of her home as a freelance author and editor. Aspen sits near by, leash in mouth, hoping for writer's block.

Len Gatdula

Len Gatdula has been an artist since he was old enough to hold a pencil. He has always loved drawing and creating characters and places that could only exist in his imagination. Never formally trained, his only education in art came from his inspirations---films, animation, books, comics, and the work of popular fine and commercial artists. He realized that he was destined to do something with his talent when, as a fifth grader, his cartoons and biography were featured in a statewide Arizona newspaper, followed by an interview for a local television newscast. What began then as an introverted child's hobby turned into a professional pursuit nearly a decade ago when Len landed a job as a staff artist for a major video game publisher in Southern California. Since that time, his art has been featured in several mediums---interactive games for the home and arcade entertainment venues, print work, the web, and most recently, here---as a proud PLAYBOOKS illustrator! Len is hopeful that his work will appeal to young readers, parents, and teachers everywhere that benefit from using the unique PLAYBOOKS format of learn-to-read materials in their homes and schools. As an avid reader himself, he welcomes the opportunity to accent PLAYBOOKS stories with fun, colorful art that is just one hallmark of this innovative and "edu-taining" product!

Len lives in Southern California with his fiancée Maryanne and their three children, Drew, Alyssa, and Ethan, where he continues to create art for all ages.