Denise Ortakales graduated from the Art Institute of Boston, where she studied illustration and children’s literature. Having grown up in the shadow of the Old Man of the Mountain, it was natural for her to write about it as a school assignment. Years later, when the granite formation fell, she knew it was time to share that story with others. This is her first book as an author. She has illustrated several picture books, including “Carrot in My Pocket” and “Good Morning, Garden.” Denise lives in Laconia, New Hampshire, with her husband and two sons.