Biographical note

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers. Mario Gushiken is a digital artist from São Paulo, Brazil. Drawing was always a hobby for him as a child, and he is very happy to have turned it into his career. Cartoon animations and video games from the 1990s and the 2000s were his main references when he started drawing. In 2014, Mario began working as a graphic designer and illustrator, and he became a full-time freelance illustrator in 2020. During his career, Mario has worked in animation, advertising, editorial, and today he is focused on the publishing industry. In his spare time, Mario likes to hang out with friends and play video games.