Jerry Pallotta (B’75) is an award-winning author of children's alphabet books and imaginative fiction. He combines interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations that mesmerize children everywhere.

Pallotta spent his teenage years in the fishing town of Scituate, Massachusetts, where he kept lobster traps, harvested seaweed, and rode on fishing draggers. He wanted to share the creatures of the seashore with his children but could not find an alphabet book that was fun and exciting. This inspired him to write his first book, The Ocean Alphabet Book, which presented oceanic creatures in a creative format.

When he began writing, he was a full-time insurance salesman. He wrote, edited, and produced his first book out of his garage and sold 5,000 copies to the New England Aquarium, where it became a bestseller. Pallotta then devoted himself full-time to writing and making school and library appearances. He has written many books for Charlesbridge, including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, Dory Story, and Butterfly Counting.

A dynamic speaker, Pallotta frequently visits elementary schools and libraries across the country to encourage children by teaching them how to create their own alphabet books. He also gives lectures at universities and conferences to promote reading and writing.

His books appeal to children of all ages because of the beautiful illustrations, witty text, and accurate descriptions found in all his work. Pallotta lives in Massachusetts.