Meet the Author & Artists The Author Markus Axtell began working on the Santa Tree project in 1995, and has spent hundreds of hours devoted to both the creation of the character and this book. "The creative 'kid' inside me finally got to express himself in this children's book, and it was important to me that the book actually convey a positive message about how caring and sharing with others makes great things happen!" Markus lives in Thurston County, near the City of Tumwater in Washington State. The Artist Kate Mruz was born in Olympia, Washington and is currently a junior at Tumwater High School. She enjoys playing the guitar, running cross-country and cooking. Kate plans to go to college and pursue a career in art. The Art Director Ellis Paguirigan is the President and Creative Director of Ellis Paguirigan Designs, Inc. in Olympia, Washington. Ellis is dedicated to helping prepare the next generation of commercial artist for the future.