John Yost

Growing up in rural Wisconsin, John spent his childhood running wild in the woods, splashing in creeks, and memorizing the "599" section of the library (that’s Zoology for the non-Dewey Decimal fans!).

This childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong obsession with nature and animals.

John went on to earn a Biology degree and spent eight years as a favorite high school Science teacher—you can even find reviews from former students who are now buying his books for their own kids!

His fascination for animals never stopped.

For 12 years, John lived in a tiny log cabin he built himself. With no electricity, no running water, and no TV, he honed the Wilderness Survival Skills that he now teaches in his books and at his survival school across the Americas.

Today, he combines his experiences living with nature and his teaching background to bring you the Nature Books for Children and the Wilderness Survival Skills series.

When he isn’t writing or teaching, John is usually traveling.

He has backpacked through 20 countries on a shoestring budget.

He enjoys kitesurfing, paragliding, tending to his organic garden, and exploring nature.

Whether you are interested in his Nature Books for Children or interested in Wilderness Survival, John’s goal is the same: to pass on a lifetime of knowledge and inspire you (and your children) to explore our amazing world.