FROM THE OUTSET, we envisioned that creating Billions of Besties would be a delightful adventure, a labor of love and whimsy. Clearly, the idealistic musings of first-time author/creators. It remains all of those things, but with a newfound respect and admiration for the layered, complex, byzantine process it takes getting from sketchbook and research notes to the bookshelf. We want to thank the besties brigade for their inspiration, guidance, and attention to detail, for their taste, humor, knowledge, and newfound friendships is deep. You are on our list forever.
Thank you to Peggy’s besties Jennifer Hawkins + Robin Wong for the adventure in Santa Fe that lit the spark + illuminated the path for creating art again, for their unwavering support and for Jennifer’s introduction to Theresa DiMasi at Tiller Press.
To Polly Panosh + Stuart Rossmiller’s loving generosity in opening their delightful Door County home to Peggy and allowing her to turn it into her studio to complete the illustrations for this book during shelter-in-place. And to the rest of her amazing family for their unbridled love and support.
Susie must thank Leslee Dart for the seminal cup of coffee and most profound reposado tequilas, three limes, straight up, with Amanda Lundberg and Bill O’Dowd that cleared the path both reigniting creativity and resolve.
To mom, Marilyn Arons, for her endless gratitude and pride. Sandy Arons, whose love of life, family, and sense of integrity was always shining from above. To Kayla Pressman—Auntie, this writer has no words.
Thank you, Team Besties: Scott Felcher, your legal guidance and wisdom wrapped in humor cared for us in a billion ways. Cheers to Jenny Lerner and Kate Fraser; who better to help share our stories than our very own besties?
No two first-time creatives could ever ask for a better team to helm this complex web of a process better than the talented and innovative crew at Tiller Press.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Theresa DiMasi, our chief steward, for saying yes to this book; you kept us on course, pushing us forward with enthusiasm and championing it and us every step of the way.
Thank you to Anja Schmidt for her wisdom, good taste, and guidance to get us to the finish line. To Patrick Sullivan and Matthew Ryan for their patience and artful sense of style, and Hannah Robinson for her energy and creativity.
And, to the passionate Tiller Press sales team, the network of booksellers—big and small—the gift shops, retailers, and YOU, dear reader—for believing that celebrating best friends is a wonderfully positive and worthwhile thing to share…. x a billion. We thank you.
To the people, characters + things we befriended in this book, thank you for your fascinating and simply exceptional friendships.