Daniel Pinkwater, with his not-so-tall stature, round physique, glasses perched upon his nose, and an aura of delightful peculiarity, mirrors the very protagonists he brings to life in his tales. His literary journey centers around capturing the essence of unconventional youths—those who, like him, find themselves at odds with the ordinary demands of school and mundane routines. These vibrant misfits often band together, forming small enclaves within the sprawling worlds of academia and neighborhoods. They are the architects of their own escapades, navigating their unique dramas with a flair that only the imaginative possess. Echoing the wisdom of Wilkie Collins, a master of thrilling narratives from the 1800s, Pinkwater seeks the extraordinary within the seemingly mundane. His characters are average kids only at first glance; they unveil wonders in their own backyards and, in the process, realize their own extraordinary natures.

Born under the Southern skies of Memphis, Tennessee, on November 15, 1941, to Philip, a rag collector, and Fay Hoffman, a chorus girl, Daniel Manus Pinkwater's early life unfolded in Chicago—a city that pulses vibrantly through his work, like The Education of Robert Nifkin. Chicago, with its hidden gems and inviting nooks, becomes a character itself in his stories. A voracious reader of adventure tales in his youth, Pinkwater once dreamed of writing, only to dismiss it as "a disgusting life choice" and "a dreadful, unhealthy pursuit." Choosing the path of creation through sculpture at Bard College, New York, he eventually circled back to writing, having earned his art degree in 1964.

Pinkwater's foray into the world of professional writing was serendipitous. Initially sketching illustrations for a children's book, he decided that writing the dialogue himself was preferable to collaborating with another author. Thus, his first book, The Terrible Roar (1970), came into being. Despite initially seeing himself primarily as a sculptor and illustrator, Pinkwater's literary journey gained momentum, pulling him into the realm of storytelling full-time. Even now, he continues to accompany his words with his own illustrations in most of his works.

In 1969, Pinkwater found a lifelong partner in Jill Miriam Schultz, and together they made Hyde Park, New York, their home. Since 1987, he has lent his voice to All Things Considered on National Public Radio, charming a vast audience with his hilariously insightful musings. While his art occasionally finds its way into exhibits, it is his literary creations that capture the spotlight. Recognitions such as the American Library Association's notable book for Lizard Music (1976), a Junior Literary Guild selection for Fat Men from Space (1977), and a listing as an Outstanding Book by The New York Times for The Last Guru (1978; see separate entry, Vol. 9), underscore his impact. Additionally, The Wuggie Norple Story (1980), with illustrations by Tomie de Paola, was honored with a Children's Choice award by the International Reading Association.