Theresa Tuaño is a Massachusetts-based writer, illustrator and international development specialist who has lived and worked on five continents.  As a child, Theresa couldn’t decide whether to be an artist or a marine biologist, so she did both. She originally blended her fascination with living things and her passion for drawing by working as a scientific illustrator. Later, while living abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Theresa overcame language barriers by making pictures in her pocket notebook. Her most fun and memorable conversations were with kids, and this inspired her to create picture books for children.

Theresa’s illustrations are soft and semi-realistic. She works in pencil and ink, and recently began creating a similar look digitally. Her stories are largely inspired by her Filipino-American heritage, and by the people and places she’s encountered around the world. Theresa is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.