Shahnaz Qayumiwas born and raised in Kabul Zia's Storyis her first book for young people and is closely based on other Afghans and her as a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan. After fleeing Afghanistan, she found refuge in Canada. She now lives in Vancouver and teaches at Langara University. Nahid Kazemiis an artist, illustrator and graphic designer. She has published many award-winning children's books, and was nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award and the 2020 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her recent publications include Over the Rooftops, Under the Moonand The Old Woman. She has exhibited her work around the world. Nahid lives in Montreal.