Author Jon Kaczka always dreamed of becoming a writer, but it was his young daughter who ultimately helped turn that dream into reality. When Jon began making up bedtime stories inspired by her beloved bunny stuffy, her six-year-old excitement encouraged him to put pen to paper—and eventually to illustrate—what would become his debut chapter book, Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny, an imaginative adventure about a brave little girl and her magical toy bunny.

Jon’s story ideas come from all sorts of places—life experiences, songs, and folklore—with the spark for Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny tracing back to the symbolic journey of Dante’s Inferno. He believes the best stories transport young readers, spark curiosity, and leave them smiling long after the last page is turned, and he hopes his books do just that.

Also the author of a horror novel, Surviving the Summit Conference, Jon enjoys rock climbing in his spare time—just like the adventurous father in his chapter book. He lives in Maryland with his wife and daughter, who is already dreaming up new stories for Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny.