Joan Heilbroner is best known for her first book, Robert the Rose Horse, which was published in 1961. Acquired by Dr. Seuss when he was editor of Beginner Books, it has been in print for more than 50 years. Her inspiration to write A Pet Named Sneaker came from her grandchildren, Quentin and Katrina, and their talented pet snake, Plato. A graduate of Columbia University, Ms. Heilbroner worked as a school librarian until her retirement.