Robert Lawson

Robert Lawson's witty, inventive illustrations are even more sought after today than they were during his lifetime. He illustrated dozens of beloved picture books, including Mr. Popper's Penguins and They Were Strong and Good, the latter of which won a Caldecott Medal. He also wrote seventeen children's books and won the Newbery Medal for his 1945 novel Rabbit Hill, making him the only person to win both of America's most prestigious awards for children's literature. Born in New York City, Lawson grew up in Montclair, New Jersey and studied at Parsons School of Design. He spent his later years in Westport, Connecticut, where an annual conference is held in his honor.