Jane Yolen was born on February 11th, the daughter of a journalist and a social worker. She was born in New York City, moved with her family to Hollywood when she was very young, and then moved back to grow up in New York City and Westport, Connecticut. Ms. Yolen graduated from Smith College and the University of Massachusetts with a master's degree in education. Although she became an editor when she graduated from college, she was already writing and published her first book on the day she turned 22.

Since that time, she has written more than 200 books, many finding a firm place in the canon of folktales, fantasy, and science fiction, but she is an eclectic writer, tackling whatever subject might interest her. Among her published works are the bestselling How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?, illustrated by Mark Teague, the Caldecott-winning Owl Moon, illustrated by John Schoenherr, the Commander Toad series, and her many highly-respected fantasy novels including Sister Light, Sister Dark and Briar Rose. One of my particular favorites is an original folktale entitled The Seeing Stick, a beautiful tale set in ancient China.

Jane Yolen is acclaimed for her generosity in assisting up-and-coming writers. She has long been a board member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her book Take Joy: a Book for Writers is enjoyed for inspiration and practicality. She has spoken at numerous conferences and writing workshops and has served as an editor for various short story and poetry collections.

Her shelves are surely crowded with the many medals she has been awarded, including the Nebula Award, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, the Chrisopher Medal, the World Fantasy Award, the Sydney Taylor Award, and the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota honoring Ms. Yolen's body of work.

She is a devoted mother and grandmother, who currently resides in Massachusetts.