Leo Lionni is a world-renowned author and illustrator of children’s books. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages and has won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal and four honorary doctorates. Leo Lionni was born in Italy in 1910. He studied art and design in Milan and Florence before moving to the United States in 1929. He worked as a graphic designer for several years before returning to Italy in the early 1940s. During World War II, Lionni worked as a journalist and as an editor for an Italian publisher. He also wrote and illustrated his first book for children, “Inch by Inch”, which was published in 1947. Lionni returned to the United States in 1950 and began working as a freelance illustrator. He also wrote and illustrated several more books for children, including “ Swimmy”, “ Frederick”, and “ The Greedy Python”. In 1960, Lionni founded his own design studio in New York City. He continued to write and illustrate children’s books, as well as designing advertising campaigns and corporate logos. Leo Lionni died in 1999 at the age of 89. His legacy continues through his many books, which are cherished by children and adults all over the world.