Today is Leo Lionni's birthday.

As a child growing up in Holland, Leo Lionni taught himself how to draw. He earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Genoa, but began his career as an author and illustrator of children's books in 1959. His first book Little Blue and Little Yellow came from a story written for his grandchildren during a boring train ride. He is the winner of four Caldecott awards.

After reading several of Lionni's stories, play the game Guess the Story.  Invite a student to pull a sentence strip that describes one of Lionni's messages from a box. (Older students can create the sentence strips in collaborative groups.) Students should explain what the message means and the book it is from.  Some suggested messages include the following:

• Let's work together.
• Take time to smell the roses.
• You are never alone when you have a friend.
• Don't take your family for granted.
• Everybody is special.
• Be happy with who you are.

As a follow-up, have your students write and illustrate their messages with the ReadWriteThink Stapleless Book.

• 100 Years of Leo Lionni
  

  This site gives an excellent introduction to children in grades K through 5 about Leo Lionni’s life, his art work, and his children’s books. The site includes excellent printable activities and videos of Lionni’s art making process.

• Smithsonian.com
  

  This article, titled "Smithsonian Notable Books for Children, 1997" describes the life and works of Leo Lionni.

   

• American Institute of Graphic Arts Biography: Leo Lionni
  

  This page provides information about Leo Lionni's life and learns how experiences and events in his life influenced on his work.