Eric Walters began writing in 1993 as a way to entice his grade five students into becoming more interested in reading and writing. Walters has now published over 130 novels and picture books. His novels have become bestsellers, been translated into sixteen languages, and won over one hundred awards, including ten Forest of Reading awards and the 2020 Governor General's Literary Award. He conceived of the I Read Canadian Day and is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year across North America. In 2014, Walters was named a Member of The Order of Canada. He lives in Guelph, Ontario, with his wife, Anita, and they have three grown children -- Christina, Nicholas, and Julia -- and six grandchildren.