Kim Harrell was born in Richmond, Virginia. She received a BS in biology and a BA in illustration from Virginia Commonwealth University. A member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Harrell found her science and art training came together when she began work as a freelance illustrator, specializing in interpreting natural science subjects. She has illustrated many books, including While a Tree Grew: The Story of Maryland’s Wye Oak.

Harrell does volunteer work for ARK, a wildlife rescue and rehab club in her hometown. She has traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, West Indies, Europe, and Egypt.