Betty Paraskevas

Rita E. "Betty" Paraskevas (April 8, 1929 – April 7, 2010) Before becoming a children's author, she worked for many years as a playwright and lyricist on Broadway, working with producer Harry Rigby

She married Paul Paraskevas in 1956, with whom she had twins Judith and Michael. The couple relocated to Roselle Park, New Jersey where they raised the children. Her collaborations with Michael began in the early 1990s when Michael – already a successful illustrator – encouraged her to write a story which he could then illustrate. They produced On the Edge of the Sea, which was published by Dial Books in 1992. Their second book, also written by her, was Junior Kroll. Published in 1993, it led to their first series. The pair produced over 20 books, three of which were turned into television series and aired on networks such as Nickelodeon.

Paraskevas died on April 7, 2010, from complications due to pancreatic cancer; in Southampton, New York, one day before her 81st birthday.