Davenza Tillmanns, Maria: - Author of the collection From Tails to Tales, Maria daVenza Tillmanns loves philosophy. Her multicultural background set the stage for her interest in the discipline, which has helped her navigate the contradictory values she grew up with. She has a PhD in philosophy of education and her passion is philosophizing with children, adults and, especially, Pixie Cat, who was the inspiration for this book. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Willy.