Joe Eckstein is a professional children’s book author, illustrator, and cartoonist. He has illustrated nearly thirty books for children, including Herby Gets a Life, which he also authored and that features the cartoon character he created in the seventh grade. Drawing and writing stories since he can remember, he grew up in Ohio, earned a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Bowling Green State University, worked as a staff illustrator for a leading children’s educational publisher, and has taught art and theatre to children from kindergarten through eighth grade at a Christian school.

​Joe counts among his personal friends Jean Schulz, who was married to Charles Schulz, creator of the world-famous Peanuts comic strip featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy, and Marcus Hamilton, cartoonist of the comic strip Dennis the Menace. When not creating art, he enjoys singing, performing in local theatre productions, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family. More than anything, Joe loves his Creator and desires to use his artistic talents for Him.