ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

My name may be the only one on the cover of this book, but I cannot take full credit for its creation. Luno, Zorgoochi Intergalactic Pizza, or even the Mezzaluna Galaxy would not exist if it weren’t for people whose talent, generosity, and patience helped me write and illustrate my first novel.

I’d like to thank my team at Feiwel and Friends, but first and foremost, my editor, Liz Szabla, who pushed me to push myself to realize my vision for this book. Our many conversations about aliens, robots, and the future of mankind over dill pickles and chopped liver sandwiches were instrumental in helping me realize my vision of the Mezzaluna Galaxy.

Publisher Jean Feiwel provided me with the opportunity to finally fulfill my dream of publishing a science-fiction novel that I would’ve wanted to read growing up.

Rich Deas inspired me to create images befitting of his wonderful designs. Thanks also to design assistant Anna Booth.

Assistant editor Anna Roberto lovingly looked after my book as it was shepherded through production.

I would also like to thank managing editor Dave Barrett, production manager Nicole Moulaison, and Lucy Del Priore, director of school and library marketing, for whose talents I am so deeply grateful.

I’d also like to thank my confidant, ally, sounding board, and literary agent, Rebecca Sherman of Writers House, for all of her sage advice, hard work, and patience, but mostly for her faith in someone who was primarily known as an author and illustrator of picture books.

I consider myself very fortunate to have people in my life who are not only incredibly talented, but generous with their talents, like Andy Guerdat, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Dave Gordon.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Susan, and our children, Michael and Lucy, for their honesty, love, and inspiration, but mostly for making me want to be the best author, illustrator, as well as the best person, I can possibly be.

I hope to get there some day.