María Luisa Retana was born in Cuba. She received her B.A. in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Riverside. She has worked extensively with children of all ages in scholastic and cultural events as well as in theater. Mrs. Retana is the author of fiftheen published bilingual children’s books, Mrs. Retana is a literary presenter for students, teachers, librarians, and parents. She enjoys doing school visits along with one of her illustrators, Pat Pollock Rhoads.