About Us

Madi and I have been a team long before we were author and illustrator. We were neighbors, who became friends, who became family. It was a perfect choice that we should collaborate on the Sam books.

Meet the Author

Karin LaScola

I used to live in Phoenix, but now I live in Petaluma, California where I am an active volunteer at my local library. In my early adulthood I worked as a news producer at KPNX TV until retiring to have more time with my daughters Alena and Dania. It was then that I truly discovered the joy of children's literature. After they left the nest I continued working with young learners as an Instructional Assistant at Kyrene Elementary School providing reading support to struggling students, K-5. I graduated with my masters in Literacy and Curriculum from Arizona State University in 2017. It was there that I got the idea for Sam as I watched a school bus travel up and down the hill by our house each morning and afternoon. The stories about Sam and his world grew in my head, and I knew it was time to share them with you. My luck that the most dedicated illustrator ever was also available at the same time. I hope you will become as fond of Sam and his friends as we are and join us as we reveal more adventures of Sam the School Bus.

Meet the Illustrator

Madison Grayson

I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my pup, kitty, and husband. I am a professional engineer by day and hobby artist by night. I have always dreamed of someday sharing my creative side with the world and I am so honored and grateful that Karin was ready to do the same! Over the course of almost two years Sam, Gupta, and Sabrina slowly revealed their bright, hopeful faces and goofy personalities on the page. I hope that their story, as revealed in Just the Way I Am, can bring you the same smiles and passion for adventure (and learning, lots of learning) that they brought me during their creation.