Author and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She came to New Orleans in 2005 to attend Loyola University, where she received a degree in visual arts. As has been the case for many other artists before her, the city wrapped her up in its magic. She met her husband, they planted roots, and they have been here since. After college, she sold her art on the fences of Jackson Square and eventually opened a gallery space in the French Quarter, The Green Eyed Gator. Three years later, family life became her main focus along with her own art. Shannon stays busy raising her three spirited children and taking on various commissioned projects. She is also the author and illustrator of Alligators Don't Like Flowers, a children's book published by Pelican that shows how our differences make us special.