Betsy Maestro was born in Brooklyn, New York. She has a degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in counseling. Before becoming a writer, she was a kindergarten and first grade teacher. She has been creating books with her husband Giulio since 1974. She writes and he does the illustrating. They are most popular for their nonfiction titles which include the American Story series which focuses on events in United States history. Together, they have produced over ninety titles. Many of their titles have been chosen as Notable Books by the American Library Association and as Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association.
Illustrator Giulio Maestro graduated from Cooper Union in New York City with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. He worked in advertising before becoming an illustrator. He has been creating nonfiction books with his wife, Betsy since 1974. She writes and he does the illustrating. Together, they have produced over one ninety titles but he has illustrated over one hundred titles. In addition to illustrating, he has also written stories and riddle books. Their titles include the American Story series which focuses on historical events in United States history. His illustrations have been exhibited by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the New York Society of Illustrators, and the Art… Director's Club of New York. Titles done in collaboration with his wife have been chosen as Notable Books by the American Library Association and as Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association.