ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Carolyn & Tyra:

Devin Banks

Genius son and boisterous bro,

Lived these crazy stories up close, fo’ sho’.

Don Banks

I’ll always be your crazy baby girl

And you’re the best daddy in the whole crazy world.

Carolyn:

Benjamin McAdoo III

For the persistent pep talks, patience, and pet care

And the real, raw honesty—yeah, you really went there!

Donna Givens

Through thick and thin booties, and lotsa hard times,

Your solid support scrubbed away my life’s grime.

Tyra:

Kenya Barris

My buddy since six, and you now got six babies!

I forgive you for stealing my dictionary (maybes).

Nancy Josephson

Major supporter with runway-ready style

Your love and support are felt here, and for miles.

Carolyn & Tyra:

Mel Berger

Bold book agent full of backing and belief

This book’s fearless leader and commander in chief.

Roy Campbell

Our fashion friend family never doubted our glory,

His dedicated work built the foundation of this story.

Tyra:

Ricky Hutchinson

The anything and everything go-to guy

Who tracked down all photos and never questioned why.

Carolyn & Tyra:

Kate Williams

The world’s best wordsmith playmate

Straight-up kept our voices straight.

Carolyn:

Aya & Fredo

For the missed doggie walks while Mama pounded computer keys

I’ll make it up with some bacon doggie treats.

Tyra:

Sara Carder and everyone at TarcherPerigee

For believing in us and our crazy story

And helping us escape that hurry-up-we-need-to-make-this-release purgatory.

Carolyn & Tyra:

Jackie Prescod—no rhyming here . . .

My BFF who never left my side. Until she did . . . way too soon. My eyes to the sky, Jackie . . . I miss you.

—Carolyn

I miss you, too, Aunt Jackie. I can still hear your laugh. And I still wear your mint green earrings.

Tyra