The Flag We Love (Charlesbridge, 1996) was inspired by a brief incident in the grocery store where Pam witnessed a disrespectful use of the American flag. She was concerned when this incident went unnoticed by her children and other shoppers. Pam was inspired to write a "sentimental, apolitical, and not Yankee Doodle Dandy-ish" picture book for children with simple text and beautiful illustrations. Pam researched historical facts for the book through libraries, the Smithsonian Institute, and NASA. Other books by Pam Muņoz Ryan include, The Crayon Counting Book (Charlesbridge, 1996), California Here We Come! (Charlesbridge, 1997), A Pinky is a Baby Mouse (Hyperion, 1996) and Riding Freedom (Scholastic Press, 1998).
Pam lives in California with her husband and four children. She often speaks at schools and conferences about writing and literacy.
Ralph Masiello
Illustrator
Ralph Masiello--affectionately known as 'The Icky Bug Man'--has illustrated several children's books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books--be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings.
Ralph is the father of two daughters and lives in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.
