Eric Walters began writing in 1993 as a way to entice his grade 5 students into becoming more interested in reading and writing. Walters has now published 120 novels and picture books. His novels have become bestsellers, been translated into 16 languages, and won over 100 awards, including 10 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, ON with his wife, Anita, and they have 3 grown children – Christina, Nicholas, and Julia – and 6 grandchildren.