Steven Kroll was born in 1941 and grew up in New York City. As a child, Kroll studied sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art. He was appointed editor of his high school literary journal, and there discovered an interest in and talent for writing. After graduating from Harvard University in 1962, he worked as an editor of books for adults in both London, England, and New York City. In the early 1970s, his then-wife, a children's book editor, urged him to try his hand at writing for children, and Kroll reluctantly began what would become his career. He published his first picture book, Is Milton Missing?, in 1975. Kroll is now the author of more than fifty picture books, chapter books, and… young adult novels. His work has been translated into French, Spanish, and Japanese.