MÓNICA MANCILLAS writes books for children and adults, including Mariana and Her Familia and How to Speak in Spanglish. She received her BA in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley before pursuing a decade-long career in the recording industry. Her picture book The Worry Balloon is inspired by the challenges she and those she loves sometimes face managing anxiety, and the tools, great and small, that have helped them walk through each of those challenges.

BETTY C. TANG is the New York Times-bestselling illustrator of the Jacky Ha-Ha graphic novel series. Her debut graphic novel Parachute Kids is a 2023 National Book Award longlist. She earned her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts, and after a successful animation career, she is now passionate about creating books for children. Betty loves squirrels and hates roaches. Born in Taiwan, she currently lives in Los Angeles.

"Anxious readers will recognize themselves in Isla's struggle and perhaps learn a new way of approaching their fears. . . Sure to help kids conquer first-day-of-school fears." - Kirkus

"Realistically depicting thought spirals and intrusive worry, [The Worry Balloon] takes a sensitive, strategic approach." - Publishers Weekly

"This book creates mental health awareness, while opening the door for conversations to be held, in a gentle and validating manner." - Melissa Gonzalez, Latinx in Publishing