Niki MitchellNiki Mitchell was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Whittier, California in first grade. With a houseful of books and a local library located a few short blocks, her love of reading began at a young age. Her soft spot for animals comes from groing up with dogs, parakeets, turtles, chickens, ducks, and other critters.Niki writes children's books along with fantasy and historical time-travel romance. For most of her thirty-year career, she taught first-grade students. Because of her experience, she understands how children think and the skills necessary to become independent readers. Her two cats are the inspiration for the Kurious Katz's children's book series. Their constant mischief keeps her laughing. Married for over thirty years and a romantic at heart, she enjoys writing about strong female characters in unusual settings. Her hobbies are photography, traveling, water aerobics, and reading. Read More Read Less