Kataneh Vahdani is a director, storyteller, professor, and mama bird. She was born in Iran but came to the United States in pursuit of her dream: to have a voice and be free. After receiving a degree in mathematics, she enrolled at California Institute of the Arts, spending seven years studying animation and earning her master's degree. She later continued her education in Paris, France. Kataneh's animated films have been screened at many festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the New York International Film Festival, where she was named Best Director of Animated Shorts. She worked for many years in the story department at Walt Disney Animation Studios and also taught story, design, and animation at CalArts and College of the Canyons. Kataneh is currently directing an animated feature. This is her first picture book. Follow her at @katanehv on Twitter.