About Audrey Couloumbis Photo by Neil Davidson Audrey Couloumbis was born in Illinois. Her first book for children, Getting Near to Baby, won the Newbery Honor in 2000. She is also the author of Say Yes (2002), an IRA Children's Book Award Honor Book and a Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book. Before becoming a full-time writer, Audrey Couloumbis worked as a housekeeper, a sweater designer, and a school custodian. Today she lives in upstate New York and Florida with her husband, Akila, and their dog, Phoebe. They have two grown children. You can visit Audrey's Web site at www.audreycouloumbis.com.