Lois Ehlert author page

Lois Ehlert biography

Lois Ehlert was an American author and illustrator known for her distinctive picture books for children. She studied at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. Ehlert’s work is characterised by bold, colourful collage illustrations, often created using cut paper and found objects. Her books frequently explore themes related to nature, animals, and the environment.

Ehlert’s first book as both author and illustrator was Growing Vegetable Soup, published in 1987. She went on to create numerous other picture books, including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (illustrator, 1989), written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, and Color Zoo (1989), which received a Caldecott Honor in 1990. Other notable titles include Planting a Rainbow (1988), Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf (1991), and Leaf Man (2005).

Throughout her career, Ehlert collaborated with various authors and contributed to a range of educational and creative projects. Her books have been recognised for their innovative design and their ability to engage young readers with visual storytelling. In 1990, Color Zoo was named a Caldecott Honor Book.