Katherine Orr is a writer, illustrator, and marine biologist. Through most of her adult life she has used her writing and illustrating skills to help educate and inspire young readers about the natural world. She holds a Master's degree from the University of Connecticut in marine zoology, and a certification from eCornell in plant-based nutrition. She is also a certified qigong instructor. She spent the mid-1970s to mid-1980s living and working in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Lesser Antilles as a marine biologist and environmental educator. She has authored and illustrated numerous books and educational materials about the natural world. She has made Hawaii her home since 1990.