Jilanne Hoffmann has been a zoo train engineer, a waitress, a \"real\" engineer, a fitness trainer, a tai chi instructor, a freelance writer for nonprofit organizations, and now enjoys writing stories for kids and adults. She has a BS in Engineering and an MFA in creative writing. Her picture book, A River of Dust, was an ALA Notable Children's Book, a Bank Street College Best Children's Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in San Francisco with her family and rescue dog named Wrigley.