John Archambault author page

John Archambault biography

John Archambault is an American children’s author, poet, storyteller, and musician, best known for co-authoring the classic picture book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with Bill Martin Jr. Born in Pasadena, California, Archambault developed an early interest in writing, inspired by reading Charlotte’s Web in third grade. He began his professional writing career in high school, working part-time for his local newspaper.

Archambault studied writing and journalism at the University of California, Riverside, where he served as editor of the campus newspaper, The Highlander. During graduate studies at Columbia Teachers College, he earned his teaching certificate and met Bill Martin Jr., initiating a long-standing collaboration. Their first joint work, The Ghost-Eye Tree, was published in 1988. Together, they authored several acclaimed children’s books, including Barn Dance!, Knots on a Counting Rope, Listen to the Rain, and Here Are My Hands.

In addition to his literary work, Archambault has pursued a career in music and storytelling. He has collaborated with musician David Plummer to create six musical CD compilations for children, such as Painting My World and Dancing on the Moon, under the Youngheart Music label. Archambault has traveled extensively across the United States, engaging children and educators in the joys of reading through performances and workshops.

Throughout his career, Archambault has received numerous accolades. The Ghost-Eye Tree earned the Irma Simonton Black Honor Book award and was selected as a Children’s Choice by the International Reading Association/Children’s Book Council. Knots on a Counting Rope was recognized as a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom received a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book designation.