About the Author

Julianne (Jules) Miles is a first-time author and newcomer to the mining industry. She has an academic background in the liberal arts, with undergraduate degrees in Theology and Philosophy, and a Masters degree in Theology. With the support of her mining engineer husband, Julianne decided to pursue a lifelong dream and write an educational book series for children. The Mineral Maniacs and the Magic Hardhat is the first book in a series dedicated to teaching children about the important role mining, engineering, and stewardship play in their lives. When she’s not busy writing, Julianne is having fun with her three wonderful children and spending time with her adventurous and encouraging hubby, Ryan.

TECHNICAL ADVISOR: RYAN MILES

Ryan Miles has over 15 years of professional experience within the mining industry. He is a licensed Professional Engineer for the state of Colorado and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines. Currently based in Denver, Ryan is working as a Financial Analyst within the Mining Industry. In his spare time, Ryan is a devoted husband to Julianne and father to three wonderful boys, Leo, Sam, and Max. He is an avid outdoorsman and hopes to encourage a love of adventure, exploration, and science in his boys (and his wife).

Julianne and Ryan are happily married and we have three sons (Leo 5, Sam 3, and Max 1).

Meg Whalen studied business at Elon University in North Carolina, but soon after realized that her talents and passions were pulling her in a different direction. Inspired from a young age by comic strips like Calvin & Hobbes and gaining a new appreciation for the beauty in children’s books, she moved to Colorado and enrolled in the children’s book illustration program at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. While living in Denver, she also completed a master’s degree in Theology at the Augustine Institute. She now lives in Florida with her husband, Danny, and their daughter, Rosie.

Check out Meg's work at her website.