Zachariah OHora is a New York Times bestselling children's author and illustrator known for his picture books featuring bipedal animals such as Wolfie the Bunny, Niblet & Ralph, and My Cousin Momo.

[2] In c. 2015, during a time when PBS Kids was searching for "creators outside its usual pool of talent",[3] Natalie Engel, the Director of Content for Children’s Programming, approached OHora, liking his art style, to create a television series.

[2][3] OHora described his experiences with the school as a "lightbulb moment", as he felt that the stigma surrounding disabilities would diminish if children were exposed to the "spectrum of humanity".

"[16] On Common Sense Media, Ashley Moulton gave Carl the Collector four stars, commending the series' characterization and sensitivity in handling autism.

[17] Carrie Gillispie of New America considered the character of Carl "a hopeful sign that perhaps disability inclusion could become the norm for the next generation.