Spirit of the Cheetah: A Somali Tale

Karen Lynn Williams is a teacher, writing instructor, and award-winning children's book author who has published over 15 books for children. Karen has lived and worked in Malawi and Haiti and has been an instructor in writing programs at Seton Hill University, Chatham University, and the Institute for Children's Literature. She is the author of Galimoto, Tap-Tap, and Circles of Hope. Karen lives with her husband in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Khadra Mohammed was executive director of the Pittsburgh Refugee Center from 2003 to 2015. She is Somali, grew up in the UAE, and has worked with refugees and immigrants in the U.S. and in refugee camps around the world for more than thirty years. She and Karen Lynn Williams previously collaborated on the acclaimed Four Feet, Two Sandals and My Name is Sangoel. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Julia Cairns is a fine artist and illustrator known for her colorful images and joyous, whimsical style. She has illustrated 11 books for children, including the award-winning We All Went on Safari, Mama Panya's Pancakes, and A Full Moon is Rising. Julia's work can be found in collections around the world and has been featured on many products from calendars to fabric. She lives with her husband in Galisteo, New Mexico.