Betsy Maestro was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944. She received a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in elementary guidance from Southern Connecticut State College. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a kindergarten and first grade teacher for eleven years. During that time she became aware of the need for imaginative nonfiction to spark children's interests. She has been creating books with her husband Giulio since 1974. She writes and he does the illustrating. They are best known for their nonfiction titles which include the American Story series. Together, they have produced over ninety titles. Her other works include How Do Apples Grow? and Why… Do Leaves Change Color?
Giulio Maestro was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1942. He received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Cooper Union in New York City. He worked in advertising for five years before becoming an illustrator. Since 1969, he has illustrated more than 125 books for young readers including numerous nonfiction books with his wife Betsy. He is also the author of a number of stories and riddle collections including The Tortoise's Tug of War. He has co-authored several books with his son Marco including What Do You Hear When Cows Sing and Other Silly Riddles and Geese Find the Missing Piece: School Time Riddle Rhymes.