About the Author, Illustrator, the Food Fairies, and Maisey!
David Grotto
David Grotto
David Grotto
Dave’s entrée into the world of food, nutrition and wellness started when he was 14 years old when he began working in the natural foods business, eventually owning and operating his own health food store. Dave went on to become a registered dietitian and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago earning a degree in medical dietetics
Dave’s entrée into the world of food, nutrition and wellness started when he was 14 years old when he began working in the natural foods business, eventually owning and operating his own health food store. Dave went on to become a registered dietitian and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago earning a degree in medical dietetics and nutrition. Dave then pursued a Masters in Nutrition and Wellness at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.
He hosted the live radio show Let's Talk Health, Chicago for over 10 years and also the television show, Health & Lifestyles Weekly. He served as a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and generated millions of media impressions with his sensible and effective message of "doable and delicious solutions that meet people where they live".
As an author, Dave wrote the acclaimed books, 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, which has been published in nineteen languages; 101 Optimal Life Foods, with a foreword written by Montel Williams; and The Best Things You Can Eat, a compendium of top foods for everything from Aches to Zzzzz. Now, Dave is excited to release his first children's book, The Girls Who Lived in the Refrigerator!
Dave lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife Sharon, daughters, and family pets. Visit his author page on Amazon!
Brian Dumm
David Grotto
David Grotto
Brian Dumm is a professional artist, designer, and art educator. His award-winning artwork has been published globally since 2005 in children’s literature, digital apps, advertising, package design, and more. Brian is experienced in vector-based imaging as well.
Chloe, Katie and Madison!
Chloe, Katie and Madison!
Chloe, Katie and Madison!
The magical food fairies were inspired by Dave's three daughters, Chloe, Katie and Madison. The girls are grown up now.
Chloe is married and a new mom and manages a veterinary clinic.
Katie is a pediatric nurse who cares for children with complex medical challenges.
Madison is a registered dietitian who works in the food industry.
Maisey!
Chloe, Katie and Madison!
Chloe, Katie and Madison!
Maisey is actually a mash up of our two rescues: Maisey (left), who is Dave's family dog and Mayble (Right), who is Chloe's family dog.