Barbara Santucci

Santucci was born and raised in Chicago. She attended university at Rockford College. As a young adult, she was concerned with helping others, first pursuing a career in nursing, then working as a teacher and librarian.

In the 1980s, Santucci left teaching to focus on her own children. During this time, she developed a love for children's literature that inspired her to write. As her children reached adulthood and left home, she began writing and creating art. Her style stresses creativity, borrowing everyday objects to create colorful patterns, heavily inspired by nature.

In 2001, Santucci published her first book, Loon Summer, in which a young girl strives to deal with her parents' divorce. The book is a meditative work, exploring the complex nature of relationships and the continuing ability to grow. Loon Summer was followed by Anna's Corn and Abby's Chairs, both of which focus on the ability of children to adapt to change.