Leo Lionni, an internationally known designer, illustrator, and graphic artist, was born in Holland and lived in Italy until he came to the United States in 1939. His picture books are distinguished by their enduring themes, graphic simplicity and brilliant use of collage. He wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children's books. In 1984, he received the American Intitute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner. Leo died in 1999, at the age of 89, at his home in Tuscany, Italy.