Kate Duke was born in New York City on August 1, 1956. She attended Duke University and took art classes in New York City. She was a children's author and illustrator. Her first book, The Guinea Pig ABC, was published in 1983. Her other works include Guinea Pigs Far and Near, What Would a Guinea Pig Do?, Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One, and Ready for Pumpkins. She also provided illustrations for other authors including Joanna Cole and William Hooks. She died on April 20, 2014 at the age of 57.