Laura Regan, born in Canada and raised in California, studied graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Art, but soon found that painting was her true passion. She began illustrating books in 1990 after hearing that school children were captivated by an exhibit of her exotic wildlife paintings, particularly those with creatures from the rainforest. She has illustrated several award-winning books and has used her art to help raise funds for various wildlife organizations. Laura lives near San Francisco with her husband. Together they have six grown children.