Michael Bania

Michael Bania is an American author and illustrator best known for a series of picture books set in Arctic Alaska featuring the character Kumak. She lived for many years above the Arctic Circle, taught in rural Inupiat villages (including Buckland, Alaska), raised a family there, and drew on those experiences and local culture when creating her stories and illustrations. Her work is characterized by warm watercolor-and-ink illustrations and folktale-inspired storytelling for young children.