Erich Kastner was a German writer of children's books, best known for his book Emil and the Detectives. He also wrote several books of poetry and plays. Kastner was born in Dresden, Germany, and studied literature and philosophy at the University of Leipzig. He became a journalist after graduation, and his first book, The Conductors, was published in 1924. Kastner's books are characterized by their witty humor and clever wordplay. They are often set in urban settings and deal with the everyday adventures of ordinary children. Many of his books have been translated into other languages and continue to be popular with readers around the world. Kastner's work has been praised for its humane and child-centered perspective. His stories have been adapted for film and television, and his legacy continues to influence writers of children's literature today.