JULIA CAIRNS is a fulltime fine artist and illustrator known for her colorful images and joyous, whimsical style. In addition to creating illustrations for children's books, Cairns has exhibited her work in shows and galleries around the United States, England, and Botswana, all places where she has lived for several years. "The moon always inspires me," says Cairns, and it often appears in her paintings. A Full Moon Is Rising gave Cairns many more opportunities to paint her favorite celestial body.