Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of blind thieves and ghostly gardeners—meet Jonathan Auxier! With a knack for blending whimsy, danger, and heart, Auxier has become a cherished voice in children’s literature. His stories, like Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes and The Night Gardener, invite readers into magical worlds where courage and wonder reign supreme.
Born in Vancouver, Auxier’s love for storytelling was sparked by classics like Peter Pan and Treasure Island. Today, he’s a New York Times bestselling author whose strange tales for strange kids have earned awards and captivated readers of all ages.
The Making of Jonathan Auxier
Jonathan Auxier was born on August 10, 1981, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Raised in a home filled with books, he devoured children’s classics that fueled his imagination. After earning a BA from Trinity Western University in 2003, he pursued an MFA in Dramatic Writing at Carnegie Mellon University, where he met his wife, Mary, a Victorian children’s literature scholar. A creative side project during grad school—a story about a blind thief—became his debut novel, Peter Nimble. After a stint in Los Angeles chasing screenwriting dreams, Auxier settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he now lives with his family and teaches children’s literature.
Jonathan Auxier’s Unforgettable Stories
Auxier’s books are a delightful mix of adventure, darkness, and playfulness, often celebrating the rebellious spirit of childhood. His debut, Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes (2011), follows a blind orphan thief who discovers magical eyes and embarks on a thrilling quest. The book, an ABA New Voices pick, set the stage for Auxier’s signature style: whimsical yet grounded, with a touch of mischief.
The Night Gardener (2014), a Victorian ghost story, cemented his reputation. This chilling tale of two siblings facing a sinister spectre in a cursed manor won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and was a Governor General’s Award finalist. Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster (2018), inspired by Victorian chimney sweeps and Jewish golem folklore, earned six starred reviews and the Governor General’s Literary Award. The Fabled Stables series, aimed at younger readers, showcases Auxier’s lighter side, with quirky creatures and kind-hearted heroes.
Auxier’s stories often explore themes of justice, resilience, and the power of storytelling itself. His ability to weave “dual play”—content that resonates with both kids and adults—makes his work timeless, drawing comparisons to literary giants like J.M. Barrie.
Why Jonathan Auxier Matters
Jonathan Auxier’s impact on children’s literature lies in his fearless embrace of the genre’s potential. By blending light and dark, he creates safe spaces for young readers to confront big ideas—greed, loss, and hope—while keeping the magic alive. His awards, including the Charlotte Huck and Sydney Taylor Awards, reflect his ability to craft stories that linger. As a teacher at Chatham University, Auxier inspires the next generation of writers, proving that children’s literature is a powerful art form.
His work also champions the underdog, from orphan thieves to chimney sweeps, reminding readers that even the smallest heroes can change the world. Auxier’s stories are a call to embrace wonder, making him a vital voice in today’s literary landscape.
- Born: August 10, 1981, Vancouver, Canada
- Key Works: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, The Night Gardener, Sweep, Fabled Stables
- Awards: TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Governor General’s Literary Award, Charlotte Huck Award
- Fun Fact: Auxier once considered becoming an illustrator and still sketches daily!
Snag The Night Gardener or Peter Nimble and dive into Jonathan Auxier’s spellbinding world of adventure and mystery!