Leafe Eriksen-Wedmore is a mom and former teacher turned author/illustrator. She is an advocate for children, animals, and heart-centered living. As a former elementary school teacher and Early Childhood Education college instructor, she was drawn to social/emotional education in her quest to understand herself, her three sensitive children, and that which seemed too often lacking in the education setting and the world at large; empathy and an emotional understanding for the stories behind each of us. Her children’s books are at once the culmination and continuation of that quest. She believes learning does not begin in the mind, but in the heart, and that learning pathways open when children first feel safe, loved, and understood for their authentic selves and in context of their larger lives outside the classroom.

Healing from chronic illnesses and mental health challenges took her on a journey of remembering who she was always meant to be. Animals and creativity have forever been central to her life, and she believes both are a profound source of healing.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, three children, five dogs, and two cats. She loves to read, cuddle her four-leggeds, and create soulful interiors filled with family art and found treasures. She also loves to listen to her three musical kids rock out in the garage. This is the first book she has written and illustrated for children. She has more on the way, including another BoBo book called The Moon and I.

Lucas Wedmore studied 2D visual arts at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and graduated in 2022. Coloring for hours longer than a three-year old’s attention span should have allowed, it was always clear creativity would be at the center of his life. Today he is an artist, graphic designer, and videographer. He launched his own business, At The Library, a skateboarding/clothing brand in 2021. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, skateboarding, and playing basketball. This is the first children’s book he has illustrated.

@lucasmwgd @at.the.library atthelibrary.page

Venus Rodriguez graduated from Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in 2022. She formed a passion for art at a young age after watching her mother draw a butterfly in her notebook. Having a true butterfly effect, it led to Venus pushing herself to learn about art and how to advance in it. Today she continues to create art and build her skills in painting, sketching, and sculpting. When she’s not being an artist, she’s listening to music, reading, or snuggling with her own cat, Frenchie, who coincidentally was fostered by the Wedmores.

Harlow and Torrey Wedmore, 14 and 10, have music, art, and a love for animals running through their veins as well. They contributed to Life Lessons with their professional doodles seen throughout the book. Harlow enjoys drawing, sculpting, playing guitar, and cuddling with BoBo in her free time. Torrey loves listening to music, drumming, and playing video games. Both love a good concert and hanging out with their big brother, Lucas.