Politi, Leo, 1908-1996

Children's author and Illustrator born November 21, 1908 in Fresno, CA.; died March 24, 1996 in Los Angeles, CA.

American author and illustrator of children's books; Caldecott Medal in 1950 for Song of the Swallows, and Caldecott Honors for Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street in 1947 and Juanita in 1949.

Leo Politi was born November 21, 1908 in Fresno, California. He went to live in Brani, Italy in 1915, his mother's family home. He studied art at the National Art Institute in Mona, Italy. In 1931, he returned to California and settled in Los Angeles, living in the Mexican section of the city, a setting that would later form the backdrop of several of his books. In 1938, Leo Politi wrote and illstrated his first book for children, Little Pancho, the story of a little Mexican boy. In 1950, he received the Caldecott Medal for Song Of the Swallow, which tells the story of the kindness of the Fathers of the San Juan Capistrano Mission and the coming of spring. He also received Caldecott Honor citations for Pedro, the Angel Of Olvera Street in 1947 and Juanita in 1949. Many of his works have regional settings but his themes such as the importance of family and tradition are universal. His pictures have a sense of rhythm and reflect his love of folk art and color. Leo Politi died on March 24, 1996 in Los Angeles, California. Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vol. 47, p. 172-182 Something About the Author, vol. 88, p.163

Leo Politi was born November 21, 1908 in Fresno, California. He went to live in Brani, Italy in 1915, his mother's family home. He studied art at the National Art Institute in Mona, Italy. In 1931, he returned to California and settled in Los Angeles, living in the Mexican section of the city, a setting that would later form the backdrop of several of his books. In 1938, Leo Politi wrote and illstrated his first book for children, Little Pancho, the story of a little Mexican boy. In 1950, he received the Caldecott Medal for Song Of the Swallow, which tells the story of the kindness of the Fathers of the San Juan Capistrano Mission and the coming of spring. He also received Caldecott Honor citations for Pedro, the Angel Of Olvera Street in 1947 and Juanita in 1949. Many of his works have regional settings but his themes such as the importance of family and tradition are universal. His pictures have a sense of rhythm and reflect his love of folk art and color. Leo Politi died on March 24, 1996 in Los Angeles, California. Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vol. 47, p. 172-182 Something About the Author, vol. 88, p.163.