Charles earned his M.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University as a Schubert Fellow of Playwriting. He began his eclectic career as a magicians assistant, has worked as an editor, headed a multi-million-dollar company, appraised antiques and now manages a prominent art gallery.

Charless humor and uniue outlook are reflected in his books, which include an acclaimed series of mystery novels.Arlene Graston is an entirely self-taught artist. Born in Reims, France, she apprenticed with Nina Ricci in Paris, becoming a fashion and jewelry designer. At age 22, Arlene immigrated to America where she has created everything from Broadway show posters to ads for Vogue and The New York Times to television shows. Besides painting and writing, she produces limited-edition art prints of her work.

The beauty and simplicity of Charless poem enabled Arlene to paint this book from her heart, taking her beloved brown Chihuahua, Mimi, along on the journey.Charles Mathes and Arlene Graston are married to one another and make their home in New York City.