Cristina Kessler knew she wanted to be a writer at the age of ten, and since she was twelve, she knew she would travel the world. Not surprisingly, she put these two early dreams together. A Peace Corps worker originally, for thirty years, she lived abroad, but for nineteen of those years, Africa was what she called home. Africa is not only where Cristina's books are set, it is where her heart is. Her love and respect for the people and her personal connection brings an authenticity and life to her stories rare in children's books. Committed to sharing these rich cultures with her American readers, Cristina has authored the award-winning Trouble In Timbuktu, a contemporary adventure story set in Timbuktu, Mali. She and her husband, Joe, currently reside on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they still visit Africa at least once a year.