John Reynolds Gardiner

John Reynolds Gardiner, born December 6, 1944, was an American writer recognized primarily for his children's book, Stone Fox. Despite a challenging youth where teachers doubted his future, Gardiner pursued higher education, earning a master's degree from UCLA. Before dedicating himself to writing, he worked as an engineer. His creative spirit was evident early on, as he once ran a novelty business called Num Num Novelties. Gardiner's life experiences included living in various international locations such as West Germany, El Salvador, Mexico, Italy, and Ireland, as well as Idaho, where he encountered a local legend that would later inspire Stone Fox. He also lived in California, where he spent his final years with his wife, Gloria. Gardiner passed away on March 4, 2006, in Anaheim, California, due to complications from pancreatitis. At the time of his death, Stone Fox had achieved sales of four million copies.

Born in Los Angeles, California, John Reynolds Gardiner's early years were marked by a rebellious nature that led his teachers to believe he would not achieve much. However, he defied these expectations by earning a master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to his literary career, Gardiner was employed as an engineer. His entrepreneurial and creative inclinations were also apparent in his younger days when he operated Num Num Novelties, a venture that produced unique items like the aquarium tie. This period of his life showcased a diverse range of interests before he focused on writing.

Gardiner's most famous work, Stone Fox, was inspired by a local legend he heard during his time living in Idaho. His international experiences, including stays in West Germany, El Salvador, Mexico, Italy, and Ireland, likely broadened his perspective and provided a rich backdrop for his storytelling. He initially conceived Stone Fox as a screenplay, but a producer advised him to adapt it into a novel. Gardiner also contributed to children's television by editing stories for the medium. His literary output includes several novels, with Stone Fox being his debut and most successful children's book, published in 1980.