Sheila Hamanaka has been illustrating children's books since 1987. She is best known for her books on peace and multiculturalism. Her award-winning book The Journey is based on a five-panel mural she painted about the history of the Japanese in America, focusing on the concentration camps in which her parents were jailed during World War II. Her popular All the Colors of the Earth celebrates the diversity of children and parents. Hamanaka's work with the Animal Welfare Institute reflects her deep concern for all sentient beings and for our home, earth. She has written a series of middle grade novels with co-author Pat Cummings.