John Nicholson was born in Singapore and grew up in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne. He graduated with a degree in architecture at Melbourne University (1973) and worked as an architect, graphic designer and illustrator until the 1990s when he began writing full-time. His information books for children are widely admired by adults and children alike. He has won the Children's Book Council of Australia Eve Pownall Award for Information Books several times. Concentrating on history, his books include descriptions of the First Fleet, the Australian government and Pacific islanders.