Author Bio:
Rana DiOrio was born in Providence, RI and grew up in a colorful Italian-American family。 Her curiosity about the world began in kindergarten, while studying Western access to China and, obviously, panda bears。
   As a political science major/psychology minor in college, and then as a law student, she became fascinated with understanding perspective, and how just about any person, place, thing, or situation can be interpreted in so many valid ways。
  
“I believe that I have two ears, two eyes and one mouth intentionally, so I listen and observe more than I talk,” she explains。
   “As a result, I think I'm better able to respect and appreciate diversity。” Rana's inspiration for writing What Does It Mean To Be Global? was the election of President Barack Obama and explaining its significance, on so many levels, to her children。
  
Rana has written her way through life–as a student, a lawyer, an investment banker, a private equity investor, and now as an author and publisher of children's picture books。
   Her interests include practicing yoga, reading non-fiction, dreaming, effecting positive change, and, of course, being global, green, and present。
   She lives in Tiburon, California with her three Little Pickles。
Illustrator Bio:
Chris Blair was born and raised in Northern California。
   He studied at the Art Center College of Design, and with a generous scholarship from the Shepard Foundation, earned a degree in illustration in 1999。
   Following graduation, he opened his own design firm called Cbstudio。 In addition to illustrating books and running his business, Chris teaches art to adults and children。
   His whimsical artwork explores the power of symbolism and visual communication to convey universal human themes and ideas。
   Chris strives to create art that transcends the boundaries of language, color, and geography, to help people gain a greater understanding of and compassion for one another。
  
While illustrating What Does It Mean To Be Green? Chris was eager to use his talents to teach children to conserve and be more sensitive to the earth's valuable resources。
   He is committed to helping children learn to be actively involved in protecting our world。Chris Blair's other interests include sailing, traveling, and storytelling。
   He currently works and teaches out of his studio in Sausalito, California。
Visit Chris on the web at www。chrisblair。net。