Ann Ingalls is the author of more than twenty books for children and adults, including Little Piano Girl, a finalist for the Crystal Kite Award, and Pencil, which earned a starred review from Foreword Reviews, was a Bank Street Best Book, and was a finalist for the Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ann graduated from Michigan State University and worked as an early childhood and special education teacher. She now writes full time at home in Kansas City, Missouri¿except, of course, when she is busy traveling the world.