Jon Scieszka, born in Flint, Michigan, is a renowned American children's writer. He is best known for his picture books created with illustrator Lane Smith. Scieszka is also a nationally recognized reading advocate and the founder of Guys Read – a web-based literacy program for boys designed to help them become self-motivated, lifelong readers.

Scieszka attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana, graduating in three years. He studied both English and science at Albion College, receiving a B.A. in writing in 1976. He then pursued higher education at Columbia University's writing program, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1980.

Over the years, Scieszka has held various jobs, including teaching elementary school, writing for magazines, painting apartments, working as a carpenter, and lifeguarding. In 1989, he published his first book, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.

Scieszka served as the first U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, appointed by the Librarian of Congress for the years 2008 and 2009. His popular Time Warp Trio series, which educates children about history, was adapted into a television show. He currently resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn with his family.