Maria Luisa Retana was born in Cuba. She received her B.A. in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Riverside. She has worked extensively with children of all ages in scholastic and cultural events as well as in theater. She is the author of seventeen published bilingual children's books and also a literary presenter for students, teachers, librarians, and parents. On December 2008 Mrs. Retana received her first literacy award given by the International Reading Association and the Cochise Area Council.