Multiple award-winning author Jon Scieszka grew up in Flint, Michigan, the second oldest and the nicest of six boys. Jon went to school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he was a Lieutenant; Albion College in Michigan where he studied to be a doctor; and Columbia University in New York, where he received an M.F.A. in fiction. He taught elementary school in New York for ten years in a variety of positions. He is the author of many books for children including theΒ New York TimesΒ Best Illustrated BookΒ The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid TalesΒ (illustrated by Lane Smith), the Caldecott Honor bookΒ The True Story of the Three Little PigsΒ (illustrated by Lane Smith), andΒ Math CurseΒ (illustrated by Lane Smith). Β In addition to his work as an author, Jon also runs a web-based literacy program called βGuys Readβ that is designed to encourage boys, particularly reluctant readers, to get involved with books. In 2008, Jon was named the countryβs first National Ambassador for Young Peopleβs Literature, a joint effort of the Library of Congress and the Childrenβs Book Council. During his two-year role as Ambassador, he acted as a spokesperson for childrenβs literature, speaking to groups of parents, teachers, and children to encourage the importance of reading. You can visit Jon online at www.jsworldwide.com.