Laura Imai Messina is a Japanese-American author and illustrator. She is best known for her award-winning picture book, My Kite is Stuck! And Other Stories. Messina was born in Tokyo, Japan and moved to the United States when she was a young child. She studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and has since worked as a freelance illustrator for various publications. Messina has also written and illustrated several books for children, including the popular My Kite is Stuck! And Other Stories. Her work has been praised for its vibrant colors and whimsical characters. Messina is passionate about creating stories that bring joy and laughter to children and adults alike.