Bio:
Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa is the creator and co-writer of the comic book series The 99, the world's first superhero team based on Islamic culture.
While working as a clinical psychologist with former prisoners of war in Kuwait and with survivors of political torture in New York City, Al-Mutawa witnessed firsthand the cancerous effects of social, racial, and religious intolerance. This led him to write, illustrate, and publish To Bounce or Not To Bounce, a children's book designed to introduce children (and adults) to concepts of international understanding and cultural diversity. The book went on to sell tens of thousands of copies worldwide, as well as win a UNESCO award for children's literature in the service of tolerance. The Success of To Bounce or Not To Bounce led to a sequel, What's In A Color!?
Dr. Al-Mutawa's children's books are now used in schools throughout the Arab World. His quest for tolerance and global understanding led him to create The 99.