Tomie dePaola (Author, Illustrator)

Thomas Anthony 'Tomie' dePaola (1934–2020) was an acclaimed American author and illustrator who created over 260 children's books, including the beloved Strega Nona series, Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose, and 26 Fairmount Avenue. Known for his charming characters and distinctive artistic style, he received numerous awards, including the 2011 Children's Literature Legacy Award for his substantial contributions to children's literature.[1][2][5]