As a child, Kristina Rodanas always wished she could grow up to become an American Indian. Of course her dream could not come true, but she managed to weave her childhood fantasies into a career that allowed her to live vicariously though the stories that she tells and illustrates. Art came easily to her as a child, and she loved reading folktales and fantasies. She spent her free time wandering through the woods of New Hampshire, lying in meadows, and studying the changing shapes in the clouds. She even remembers illustrating stories for her elementary school classmates.

Kristina graduated from Boston University and became an elementary school art teacher. Later, when she began to write and illustrate stories, she tried to use words and images that would interest children and inspire them to learn to read.

Kristina is now a renowned author and illustrator of Native American folktales. She has thoroughly researched various Native American tribes over a span of many years, and has written and illustrated multiple books on Native Americans. Kristina has traveled throughout the southwestern states studying the Pueblos, and spent time with the Zuni tribe in New Mexico studying their art and culture. She has also spent time in Montana with the Plains Indians. Kristina is well-known for the accuracy of her books. Many teachers have used her books to plan their lessons.

Kristina still spends sunny afternoons staring into the clouds, and takes long walks through the woods along the beaches of Cape Cod with her dog, Kate. She still continues to imagine what it would be like to live in a Native American village of long ago. The difference is that now she can turn her daydreams into picture books.

Flamingo Sunset (Marshall Cavendish)

The Story of Wali Dad (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard)

Rocking Horse Land (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard)

Dragonfly’s Tale (Clarion Books)

Dance of the Sacred Circle (Little Brown & Co.)

The Eagle's Song (Little Brown & Co.)

Only the Names Remain (Little Brown & Co.)

The Story of Blue Elk (Clarion Books)

Follow the Stars (Cavendish Children’s Books)

The Little Drummer Boy (Clarion Books)

Yonder Mountain (Cavendish Children’s Books)