Pradeep Velugubantla is an engineer and writer. Born in south India, he and his younger sister grew up in rich Indian culture, speaking Telugu, relishing spicy foods, and flying kites in the green rice fields.
At 22, Pradeep embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue higher education. He went to school to learn about building structures. However, it was his fatherhood that uncovered his passion for picture books. Now he also builds stories, often illuminating Indian culture and the immigrant experience.

Pradeep holds a master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two children. He is a member of SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12X12 Picture Book Challenge.