Nancy Kelly Allen is a school librarian and the award-winning author of more than 30 picture books. Her inspiration for writing The First Fire was to honor her Cherokee great-grandmother, Sarah. She hopes that this book will provide younger generations an insight into the mystery and wonder of traditional folktales. Some of her recent and award-winning titles include On the Banks of the Amazon, What Sea Creature Is This?, and Trouble in Troublesome Creek. Nancy lives in Kentucky with her husband and two dogs. Visit her website: www.nancykellyallen.com.