Brian Selznick, originally from New Jersey, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in illustration. One of his school projects became the basis for his 1993 Texas Bluebonnet Award winner, The Houdini Box. He has written and/or illustrated many other books for children including The Robot King, Doll Face Has a Party, Our House: the Stories of Levittown, Frindle, and Riding Freedom.