María Retana was born in Cuba. She received her B.A. in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Riverside. She is the author of more than twenty published bilingual children's books. In December 2008, the International Reading Association and the Cochise Area Council awarded Mrs. Retana her first literary award. She lives with her husband, Guillermo, in Tucson, AZ. Mrs. Retana has published picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. The results include four bilingual series: Isabella & Chloe Bilingual Series, Miles & Lee Bilingual Series, Cuba Bilingual Series and the Southwest Wildlife Bilingual Series.