Peter Barnes

Peter and Cheryl Barnes are the author/illustrator team behind many books featuring animal characters that teach children about history and government, including the bestselling House Mouse, Senate Mouse, which teaches how Congress makes our laws, and Woodrow the White House Mouse, about the White House and the job of the president.

Peter and Cheryl are also the award-winning publishers of the inspiring collection of poems, Heartsongs, written by Mattie Stepanek, an intuitive and bright 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The book became a bestseller and Mattie captured the hearts of America when he appeared on Oprah to discuss his life and the book. Heartsongs is one of a series of three poetry books written by Mattie.

Peter is a journalist and broadcaster who reports on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. Cheryl is an illustrator with a background in architecture. They live in Alexandria, Virginia, have two grown daughters, and are very proud grandparents of Tristan James Joyce.