<p>Derek Taylor Kent is an author, screenwriter, and performer based out of Los Angeles, California. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in theater and playwriting. After realizing a career as a theater actor in LA wasn’t possible, he launched his writing career, penning the hit musical <em>King Kalimari</em>.</p><p>The success of <em>Harry Potter</em> inspired him to rediscover his early love of book writing. After his first novel was soundly rejected, he found success with his second, receiving a three-book deal from HarperCollins for his series <em>Scary School</em> (written under pen name Derek the Ghost). The first book won an award for “Funniest Chapter Book of the Year” by Children’s Literature Network, and the series went on to become one of the most popular for middle-grade readers. His bi-lingual picture book <em>El Perro con Sombrero</em> was released August 2015 through Holt/Macmillan, and quickly became a best-selling new picture book. Other available books include the award-winning educational picture book <em>Simon and the Solar System</em> and the magical adventure <em>Rudy and the Beast</em>.</p>
