Tomiiko BakerTomiiko Baker grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. Her early life was shaped by creativity, care, and self-expression. Her mother attended beautician school and later worked in cosmetology at a time when the beauty industry was less inclusive Tomiiko's mother went on to run an in-home daycare. From her, Tomiiko learned the importance of creativity, self-invention, and self-care.Ms. Baker earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Iowa and has spent much of her professional career working in technology. Despite this, her lifelong love of literature, children's education and Black beauty and hair movements, have remained central to her interests. These passions come together in her debut picture book, What Makes Fern Curl?, in which a young girl named Jem learns the science behind curly hair and, in turn discovers self-acceptance and joy. Read More Read Less