Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on January 25th, Michelle Edwards, grew up in New York and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. She studied at the Bazalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and later earned her MFA from the University of Iowa.

There are now four books in her Jackson Friends series of beginning chapter books, including the most recent, Stinky Stern Forever. That book won the Gryphon award for best early reader. Michelle's book, Chicken Man, won the National Jewish Book Award and has been reissued for old and new fans. Among Michelle's latest books is Papa's Latkes.

After a long sojourn in Minnesota, Michelle and her family now live in Iowa once again.

Happy birthday, Michelle!