RJ DeLong

RJ DeLong: A Visionary Storyteller Bridging Earth and Stars RJ DeLong, the son of a veterinarian and an English teacher, comes from a family with veterinary roots stretching back three generations—a lineage that subtly influences his imaginative work. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, DeLong fondly refers to his upbringing as “growing up in a zoo,” a playful nod to both his hometown and his vivid childhood, filled with curiosity about lifeforms, both earthly and extraterrestrial. “I was destined to write this book,” DeLong reflects on The Martian Zoo, his debut children’s book that merges his passions for storytelling, art, and exploration. He continues, “This yearning to be taken to the stars and encounter all kinds of fascinating lifeforms—it’s something universally human. If we don’t get too busy being adults, we can still dream about how cool and friendly it could be.” Now living in Siem Reap, Cambodia, DeLong spends his days exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat and drawing inspiration from historic sites around the world. His artistic journey is as much about understanding the past as it is about imagining the future—a blend that shines through in his whimsical yet thought-provoking stories. With The Martian Zoo, DeLong invites readers young and old to rediscover a sense of wonder and adventure. It’s the first of many tales from a man whose heart has always been among the stars.