Christina Soontornvat

Christina Soontornvat is a bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen children's fiction novels. She has a diverse range of works, including picture books, early chapter books, and middle grade novels. Some of her notable picture books include "The Ramble Shamble Children," illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and "Simon at the Art Museum," illustrated by Christine Davenier. Soontornvat is also the author of the beloved "Diary of an Ice Princess" chapter book series.

Soontornvat grew up in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members and to indulge in Thai food. In addition to being an author, Soontornvat holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. Soontornvat currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.

Some of Soontornvat's recent works include the middle grade fantasy, "A Wish in the Dark," which was named a 2021 Newbery Honor Book, and was chosen as Best Book of the Year by The Washington Post and School Library Journal. She also wrote "All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team," which has received numerous nonfiction awards and was also named a 2021 Newbery Honor Book. Soontornvat is represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of the Red Fox Literary Agency.