Steven Herrick is an Australian poet and author, renowned for his pioneering work in verse-novels for children and young adults. Born in Brisbane in 1958, Herrick is the youngest of seven siblings. His literary journey began early, with his first poem, "Love is like a gobstopper," written at the age of eighteen.

Despite leaving school in year 10, Herrick pursued poetry academically and earned a B.A. from the University of Queensland in 1982. In 1984, Herrick relocated to Sydney, where he immersed himself in the vibrant local poetry scene, performing in pubs and clubs, often alongside local bands. His initial foray into recorded poetry yielded the independent record, 'The Esoteric Herrick', followed by 'The Herrick Manifesto'.

Settling in the Blue Mountains in 1994 with his family marked a turning point as he began writing for children and young adults. His works have achieved critical acclaim, winning the NSW Premier's Literary Awards in 2000 and 2005, and earning multiple shortlistings for the Children's Book Council of Australia "Children's Book of the Year Awards." Notable titles include "Love, Ghosts and Nose Hair", "The Simple Gift", and "Pookie Aleera is not my boyfriend" among others.

Beyond children's literature, Herrick has penned nine travel books chronicling his cycling adventures across Europe, with "baguettes and bicycles" being particularly popular. His articles on cycling also feature in The Guardian newspaper (Australia). Residing in Katoomba, Herrick shares his life with his wife, Cathie, and their two sons, Jack and Joe. He continues to engage with students across the globe, sharing his passion for poetry and soccer.