David Zeltser

David Zeltser is the author of Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age and its sequel, Lug: Blast from the North. The novels satirize mankind’s response to climate change and have been praised by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and Nobel laureate Al Gore, who called the first book “a great combination of humor and powerful insight.” David’s first picture book, Ninja Baby, was the Magnolia State Book Award runner-up, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” It was illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode and published by Chronicle Books.

David’s other half-dozen picture books include The Night Library (illustrated by Raul Colón for Random House), which School Library Journal described as "sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (illustrated by Ayesha Rubio for Lerner Books) was praised by NPR Science Journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who then lent his voice to the trailer. David has a forthcoming picture book called The Treasure Collector, illustrated by his friend Benjamin Arthur for Peachtree Books. In addition, David is a screenwriter and often collaborates with another close friend, the LA-based writer-director Joseph Greco (Canvas).

David emigrated from Moldova at age five, grew up in Pittsburgh, and went to Harvard University. Having benefited from public housing and financial aid programs as a kid, he went on to co-found a free writing center for kids called the Word Lab. It operates in Santa Cruz, California, where David lives with his family.