A to z of children's authors list

Biography

Groundbreaking modernist designer and children’s book illustrator who emerged as one of the international design community's most influential pathfinders and bridge-builders. Idealistic and globally minded, he viewed pithy, smart, deceptively simple graphic design as a worthy contribution to the post-war effort, emphasizing democratic values and establishing a visual language to unite people across generations and cultures.

During his prolific career, Lionni expressed his creative vision by pursuing distinct but interrelated artistic domains, including avant-garde graphic design and advertising, progressive picture books for children, and personal works exploring the mediums of printmaking, photography, drawing, painting, & sculpture.

The Early Years

Born in Amsterdam on May 5, , Leo Leonni was a beloved son and nephew in a family that appreciated art.

The only child of Louis Lionni, an oil company accountant of Jewish descent, and