Born in Tokyo, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start with picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku workshop, a Tokyo bookshop specializing in picture books. Since then she has produced numerous picture books featuring her softly styled, color-pencil drawingsShe now lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of March 2011 she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets.

A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children’s Books of the Past 20 Years SelectionA Powell’s Books Best of 2017 PickA New York Magazine 2024 Holiday Gift Guide SelectionOne of the Wall Street Journal’s “20 Best Children’s Books of the Past 20 Years: Most Beguiling Picture-Book Series!” "These enchanting books are like a dream of childhood—full of kindness, adventure and eccentric delights."