Kristi Valiant is the author/illustrator of PENGUIN CHA-CHA (Random House, 2013). Some of the recent books Kristi has illustrated are PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS by Danielle Steel (Random House, 2014), THE GOODBYE CANCER GARDEN by Janna Matthies (Albert Whitman), CORA COOKS PANCIT by Dorina K Lazo Gilmore (Shen's Books), and Cecilia Galante's early chapter book series "Little Wings" (Random House). Kristi's books have received a Starred Review from School Library Journal, the APALA Picture Book Award, Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year, and The Cooperative Children's Book Center top children's book picks. She graduated magna cum laude from Columbus College of Art and Design in Illustration. Kristi lives in Indiana with her husband, daughters, and a room full of hippos and monkeys (and some sneaky penguins).