Rajani LaRocca was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was a baby. She is an award-winning children’s book author of many magical books including the Newbery Honor book Red, White, and Whole, the middle-grade fantasy adventure Sona and the Golden Beasts, and the picture books I’ll Go and Come Back, illustrated by Sara Palacios, Masala Chai, Fast and Slow, illustrated by Neha Rawat, and Mauntie and Me, illustrated by Nadia Alam. Rajani LaRocca lives in Massachusetts with her family. Find her online at rajanilarocca.com, or on Instagram and X as @rajanilarocca.