Leo Lionni
Leo Lionni was first a very successful professional artist in advertising. Perhaps this is why he insists on excellence in all his books. He takes great pride in the books that he writes and believes that children should be surrounded with books of excellent workmanship.
Mr. Lionni uses all types of art materials. Sometimes he uses paints and crayons. Many times he uses collage materials. Even small pebbles are illustrated with great care. He says "I have the feeling that if you are very thorough and put love and care into a thing it will come out well somehow."
Mr. Lionni wrote his first book for his own grandchildren. It was Little Blue and Little Yellow. Perhaps it is because he is a granddad that many of his books teach important lessons. These lessons are not just for children. His books teach grown-ups lessons too. Read Swimmy or The Biggest House In The World and you will see what I mean.
Here are two great photographs of Hermit Crabs. I hope someone reads them The Biggest House In The World and they learn its lesson.
Here is a spot to explore Sea Dwellers of all sorts. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has lots of wild sea creatures and information on keeping our oceans healthy.
This site that features Leo Lionni was designed by a primary class.
Here is a review of Mr. Lionni's book Six Classic Stories. A review is written to tell others how a reader felt about the book. It tells about good and (if any) bad ideas in the book. Usually if you read a review of a book you will want to read it or you will say "no way." Why don't you try writing reviews for more of Mr. Lionni's books.
Here is an interview with Mr. Lionni.
Here is a list of books by Leo Lionni.
This site is mainly for teachers and other grown-ups. This article has a great story about Mr. Lionni also.
Here is a lesson in which a teacher uses Inch By Inch to teach measurement.