> Dr. Albert, a wise owl, is Kate and Oliver’s very first teacher and later becomes the principal of their woodland school. His character is based on the renown physicist Dr. Albert Einstein, who valued both knowledge and creativity.

> Ms. Audrey, a dramatic raccoon, wears pearls and long gloves and teaches the students about acting and the theater. Her character is based on the actress Audrey Hepburn, who earned awards for both her acting work and her humanitarian service.

> Mr. Jackson, a beret-wearing spider, is the students’ visual arts teacher. His name was inspired by the wildly creative American artist Jackson Pollock, who is most famous for his large abstract “drip” paintings.

> Mr. Frank, a jazzy bird, teaches the students about the power of music. His character is based on American performer Frank Sinatra, who was known for his crowd-pleasing music and his movie roles.

> Ms. Martha,  a graceful bee, is a talented performer who teaches the students about creative movement and dance. Her role is inspired by the innovative American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham.

> Ms. Gold,  a talented marmot, also teaches the students for a school year. Her character is based on American artist Faith Ringgold, who spent her life as an art teacher and later became famous for her beautiful and meaningful story quilts.

> Mr. Oberon, a friendly bear, is another of the students’ creative classroom teachers. His character shares a name with Oberon, a woodland king featured in William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream

> Mrs. Renarde, Mrs. Renarde, a creative fox, serves as the students’ teacher in the Second Grade readers. Her name is the French word for a female fox, and she inspires her students to embrace their unique strengths and not be afraid to try new things. 

> Madame Price, an elegant swan, appears in a story to teach the students about opera. Her character is inspired by Leontyne Price, a trailblazing singer who won a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to the arts. 

> Señor Mires, a fun frog, helps students understand the artistic process by talking about the importance of sketching and revising. He is based on the Spanish artist Joan Miró, known for his colorful paintings and sculptures. 

> Mrs. Cope, a powerful cat, talks with the students about her experience as a dancer. Her character is based on the talented Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to be a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. 

> Mr. Rahl, a brilliant fox, speaks to Kate, Oliver, and the other students about creative writing. He is based on Roald Dahl, the British author known for classic works like James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Matilda.