Annamarie E. (Padilla) Baca, a proud Latina author from Albuquerque, New Mexico, conspired with her grandmother and illustrator, Rita Crespin, to write a book. Together, they created the enchanting world of Don Pino and his friends, who live in the bosque along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Annamarie is neither a writer by education nor trade but rather by wistful willingness.
Mary Rita (Crespin) Jaramillo, originally from northern New Mexico, was born in Trujillo and later moved to Albuquerque. An artist from a young age, Mary Rita expresses her creativity through various mediums, including oils, pastels, watercolors, pen and ink, writing, weaving, embroidery, music, and gardening. She has refined her artistic skills under the guidance of talented painters and through her own experiences. Mary Rita finds joy in teaching and mentoring her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the arts, instilling in them a deep appreciation for creativity and the beauty of art. They, in turn, take pride in the love and lessons they have received from her.
