Derick Wilder grew up on the beaches of Florida, where his high school career counselor recommended going into creative writing and poetry. So, of course, he studied computer science and statistics, which led to a career as an IT consultant. But after discovering his passion for working with kids, he changed course and began a second chapter… as an educator, child advocate, and picture book author.
Derick’s debut, The Longest Letsgoboy, inspired by the passing of his beloved Siberian husky, was a Margaret Wise Brown Honor book and Crystal Kite winner. Returning to his poetry roots, his second title, Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?, is a rollicking rhyming tale that landed on “Best of 2022” lists from both the NY Public Library and Publisher’s Weekly. He followed that up by reteaming with illustrator K-Fai Steele for I Made These Ants Some Underpants!, released in 2023.
When not writing or teaching children’s classes, Derick can be spotted pacing the sidelines while coaching the Tigers, a girls soccer team. You might also find him jogging on the wooded trails of the local greenway or hustling around the bases in a coed kickball league.
Derick lives in Fort Mill, SC with a teen who is growing up far too quickly. They share their home with Koda, a Siberian husky, Sammy, a ball python, Luci, a king snake, and an ever-growing stack of picture books.
Derick (he/him) is represented by Sarah Stephens.
