Howard Schwartz (born April 21, 1945) is an American folklorist, author, poet, and editor of dozens of books.

Schwartz's later work in Jewish folklore, fiction, poetry, and children's literature has been recognized by more than forty organizations and literary bodies.

More recently, the author was awarded the 2005 National Jewish Book Award for his reference book Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism,[3] an extensive attempt—almost 700 pages—to demonstrate the existence of a Jewish mythology.

Before You Were Born describes the angel Lailah, who shares all the secrets of life with children while they are still inside the womb.

[9][10] Schwartz works with oral and written sources as a collector and re-teller of Jewish stories and midrash.