David Adler was born April 10, 1947. He graduated Queens College in 1968 with a BA in economics and education and licenses to teach mathematics and history. He then worked for nine years as a New York City mathematics teacher. While teaching he studied at New York University and in 1971 was awarded an MBA in marketing. He began work on a PhD in marketing when inspiration struck and he wrote his first book, A LITTLE AT A TIME (Random House, 1976). Suddenly his focus changed from marketing to writing.

In 1973 he married Renee Hamada, a psychologist, and in 1977 their first child, Michael was born. By that time David had written several books. He was granted a child-care leave from teaching and while Renee continued her work, David stayed home, took care of Michael, and wrote in earnest. It was during his first year on leave that he wrote CAM JANSEN AND THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN DIAMONDS. David's ANDY RUSSELL series was inspired by another family member and the many adventures the family had with his enthusiasm and his pets. He lives in New York State. www.davidaadler.com.

Alexandra Wallner has written and illustrated a number of books about famous literary and historical figures, including An Alcott Family Christmas and Beatrix Potter. She lives in Maine with her husband, illustrator John Wallner.

John Wallner has illustrated many titles in David A. Adler's Picture Book Biography series. He lives in Maine.