Russell Hoban (1925–2011) was the author of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas and many other children's books. The former title, which uses elements of the O. Henry tale "The Gift of the Magi," was the basis of the eponymous 1977 television special and later a stage musical produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Between 1960 and 1970, Hoban, along with his first wife Lillian as illustrator, created six titles for the popular "Frances" series. These were adapated for a Henson Company television series using the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio.
Prior to writing children's books, Hoban worked as an illustrator, creating several magazine covers, and as an advertising copywriter. Hoban also wrote adult books in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He lived in London, the setting for nearly all of his novels.