Greg Pizzoli author page

Greg Pizzoli biography

Greg Pizzoli is an American author and illustrator of children’s books. He studied English Literature at Millersville University before serving for two years with AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America. He later earned an MFA in Book Arts and Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he subsequently taught silkscreen for seven years.

Pizzoli made his author-illustrator debut with The Watermelon Seed, published by Disney Hyperion in 2013. The picture book follows a watermelon-loving crocodile who becomes alarmed after accidentally swallowing a seed. It won the 2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, presented by the American Library Association for a distinguished book for beginning readers.

His other picture books include Number One Sam, Templeton Gets His Wish, Good Night Owl, The Book Hog, This Story Is for You and Mister Kitty Is Lost!. He has also written children’s non-fiction, including The Impossible True Story of Tricky Vic: The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower and Pizza! A Slice of History. Tricky Vic was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book.

Pizzoli created the Baloney and Friends graphic novel series and has illustrated books by writers including Mac Barnett, Kelly DiPucchio, Jennifer Adams and Margaret Wise Brown. His work has received four Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and Honor recognitions, beginning with the 2014 medal for The Watermelon Seed.