About Author

Matthew J. Baek is an award winning illustrator whose art has appeared both nationally and internationally. Clients include, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Forbes Magazine, Washington National Opera, etc. His art also was selected by Print Magazine’s Annual Design Competition and HOW international competition.

In 2004, Baek was approached by Jewish Light Publishing to illustrate Lawrence Kushner’s book, IN GOD’S HANDS, which won Booklist Top Ten Books for Youth of 2006. He debuted as an author with BE GENTLE WITH THE DOG, DEAR! in 2008 with strong critical acclaim.

Baek’s second book, PANDA AND POLAR BEAR is based on his own immigrant experience and realization that differences are what make people interesting.