Background
De Jong was born in the village of Wierum in the province of Friesland, Netherlands.
De Jong was born in the village of Wierum in the province of Friesland, Netherlands.
Meindert attended Dutch Calvinist secondary schools and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and entered the University of Chicago, but left without graduating.
The correct Dutch and Frisian spelling of his surname is "de Jong" when preceded by his first name or initials, and "De Jong" when not) The family emigrated to the United States in 1914. He held various jobs during the Great Depression and began writing children"s books at the suggestion of a local librarian. His first book, The Big Goose and the Little White Duck, was published in 1938.
He wrote several more books before joining the United States Army Air Corps during World World War II, serving in China.
After the war he resumed writing, and for several years resided in Mexico. He returned for a time to Michigan.
After settling in North Carolina, he returned to Michigan for the final years of his life. Six of De Jong"s books were illustrated by Maurice Sendak.