Petra the Praying Mantis

Mike Serafin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Brandon, Florida. He fondly remembers the summers spent on his grandparents’ farm in rural, Northcentral Wisconsin. Petra the Praying Mantis brings his childhood memories to life where hard work and a carefree sense of humor went hand-in-hand. Mike attended Central Texas College and the University of Maryland with an eye towards literature and writing. Mike has traveled to over 80 countries, which inspired his first two children’s books, 7 Stores from Baghdad and 4 Seasons of Baghdad. He lives in northern Virginia and enjoys spending time with his six children. Morgan Garner created the illustrations for Petra during the COVID-19 pandemic. She lives in Northern Virginia with her parents. She is an avid soccer player and enjoys playing Minecraft with her friends. This is Morgan’s first book.Petra the Praying Mantis’ image was first created by Christopher Riveiro at age 12 and is featured on the back cover. Christopher was diagnosed with autism at age four. His bright paint and vivid drawings reflect his joyful enthusiasm. Christopher enjoys experimenting with mediums. He has masterfully become skilled at ‘one-stroke drawings’ - a technique used by Picasso. Christopher resides with his parents outside Tampa, Florida.