Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, Billy overcame the challenges he faces with reading and writing to transform them to his creative advantage.  His rich imagination and determination to bring his stories to life helped him develop skills and methods to effectively express his vision.

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The theme for all of Billy's books is the celebration of the underdog.  His stories feature heroes who overcome adversity and learn to celebrate their idiosyncrasies for the gifts they are.

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In addition to his creative endeavors, Billy is involved with numerous Not-For-Profit organizations and activities.  He co-founded the Web Innovation Center for Dyslexia along with Dr. Gertrude Web.  Combining his passion for water sports with his love for the natural environment, Billy founded the Great Peconic Race.  GPR is an annual paddleboard race around Shelter Island and the proceeds from this event helps fund the Nature Conservancy's Mashomoack Preserve.

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Billy lives in the idyllic beachside town of Sag Harbor, NY.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

LIESL BELL is an award-winning illustrator who's motto is "Create it with a smile and a wink." 

Born and raised by artists in South Africa, Liesl moved to New York after obtaining a university degree in set and costume design. She worked in fashion and advertising in the Big Apple and eventually started her illustration career by creating corporate illustrations for IBM and Xerox’s Human Resources Intranet website.

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After 13 years she went back to the warmth of the South African sun and started a line of handcrafted greeting cards and illustrated numerous educational and private children’s books. Liesl's illustrations have received a number of awards: Mom's Choice Awards, Moonbeam Awards, National Indie Excellence Awards, StoryTime Jam, Creative Child and the Mom's Choice Awards.

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She lives in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, with her son in a house that overlooks the world-famous Supertubes surf spot.

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MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR