For over two decades, Bethany Gano has worked in the commercial arts. From production, to package design, to crafting brands, to illustration, and now, children’s books through her self-named studio. She recently wrote and illustrated her debut picture book, Lulu the Beaver, which is about a bashful little beaver who learns to overcome fear and self-doubt and starts to share her creative gifts. The softcover book launched in March, ’22 through a Kickstarter campaign, and placed hundreds of copies of Lulu’s story into kids’ hands across the United States, Canada, England, Italy and Australia. Lulu the Beaver was also awarded the gold medal President’s Award for Children’s Book Illustration from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association in late July, ‘22. Additionally, Bethany has brought a wave of creativity and joy to over 1,000 children throughout Lake and Orange Counties in Florida as well as Oakland County, Michigan through her author visits at schools and libraries. Lulu was also a featured book in the story walk program at Naval Station Everett in Washington State in July, ‘22. The trade edition, hardcover version of Lulu the Beaver will be out this December. Bethany holds two BAs (Art and Spanish) from the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University. She lives in Central Florida with her husband, three kids and a bunch of furry and scaly friends.