Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in children's books. Since then she has created many picture books featuring her delicate color-pencil drawings. She lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of 2011 she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets. David Boyd holds a master's degree from the University of Tokyo and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University.

His translations have appeared in Monkey Business International, Granta, and Words Without Borders, among other publications.