Jane Hyatt Yolen is an American writer acclaimed for her work in fantasy, science fiction, and children's literature. Born on February 11, 1939, she has authored or edited over 400 books, including the celebrated The Devil's Arithmetic, a Holocaust novella. Her notable works also comprise the Nebula Award-winning short story Sister Emily's Lightship, the novelette Lost Girls, Owl Moon, The Emperor and the Kite, and the Commander Toad series. Yolen has collaborated with all three of her children on various projects, particularly with Adam Stemple.

She delivered the inaugural Alice G. Smith Lecture at the University of South Florida in 1989 and became the first woman to give the Andrew Lang lecture in 2012. She released her 400th book, Bear Outside, in early 2021.

Throughout her illustrious career, Yolen has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from institutions in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Besides her literary achievements, Yolen is known for her engaging storytelling abilities, which extends to her talents as a poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, folklorist, and children's book author. She currently resides in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.