MYRON UHLBERG was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933, in the heart of the great depression. The first-born son of deaf parents, he quickly learned from his parents a love of reading, a passion he has carried with him throughout his life.

His books draw heavily from his experience as the first-born hearing son of deaf parents in a Jewish home in Brooklyn. DAD, JACKIE AND ME is based on the summer of 1947 when he and his father cheered Jackie Robinson from the bleachers at Ebbets Field. THE PRINTER, Myron's third book published by Peachtree Publishers, is loosely based on his father's life. This quietly powerful picture book, beautifully illustrated by Henri Sørensen, is about a deaf printer's courage and a young boy's respect for his father. Prompted by another childhood experience, Uhlberg wrote FLYING OVER BROOKLYN, published in 1999. Based on the events of the Great Blizzard of 1947, this is the story of a young boy's dream of flying over his hometown, now transformed by a blanket of snow.

LEMUEL THE FOOL reflects Uhlberg's love of Jewish folklore and was inspired by his own family. His grandfather "was always looking for the next great adventure," says Uhlberg. Uhlberg is also the author of MAD DOG MCGRAW.

To Uhlberg, writing is a way to relive his childhood, "transmuting childhood events into magical imaginary experiences." He hopes to help children discover "the magic of words" as his parents did years ago.

A former college football player and retired businessman, Uhlberg lives in Palm Springs and San Diego, California, with his wife, Karen. They have three children, and two granddaughters -- Alexandra and Kelli.

Biography provided by Peachtree Publishers.