Born on January 6th in the wilds of upstate New York, illustrator Karen Ritz loved to draw from the time when she was very young. Raised with four brothers, her artwork was often her refuge from her siblings. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design during high school summers, but decided not to go to art school after she graduated. Instead, she went to Kirkland (now Hamilton) College, where she was introduced to the president's wife, Natalie Babbitt. Ms. Babbitt volunteered to do independent study with Karen, giving her a sentence every week to illustrate and teaching her about the history of children's literature. It was suggested that Karen transfer to the University of Minnesota for a degree in children's literature, studying with Dr. Norine Odland, who became her mentor.

In 1980, Karen's first book, Cornstalks and Cannonballs was published. Her most recently illustrated book is Daddy's Song (by Lesléa Newman, published by Henry Holt). Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express (by Margaret Wettering, published by Lerner) has long been a favorite on PBS' "Reading Rainbow." Today she is engrossed in illustrating her 43rd book, taking delight in being a gourmet cook, an expert seamstress, and a craftswoman who often designs wall hangings, pillows, and table coverings. Karen lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is the mother of three children. Read more about Karen Ritz.