As a child, author/illustrator Jill Kastner was always getting into trouble for reading under the covers with a flashlight after the lights had gone out. Her love of painting was even greater however, so after graduating with a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1986, she began a career illustrating children's books.

Jill has illustrated over twenty-five books for children, from pioneers and Native American themes to snakes, bears and acrobatic pigs. She thrives on the diversity of her subject matter, and this inevitably leads her to a diversity of manuscripts and a variety of artistic styles. Her books have been recognized in "Children's Books of the Year" lists by Bank Street College and Smithsonian Magazine, and have been selected for the American Bookseller Association "Pick of the Lists" and "Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies". Jill's artwork has been exhibited in several galleries and children's book shows across the country. She also lectures on the process of creating children's books. Jill finds forays out to visit schools and speak with groups of young readers a welcome change from her desk and easel. She feels that children ask the most insightful questions and give her inspiration in heading back to the drawing board. Jill lives in Weehawken, NJ with her husband, Tim and daughters, Carson, Delaney and Avery.