Ian Falconer was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut on August 25, 1959. He studied art history at New York University and painting at Parsons School of Design and Otis Art Institute. He is a writer and artist who has illustrated many covers of The New Yorker magazine. He has also designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Olivia, his first children's picture book, received many awards including the Caldecott Honor in 2001. He has published several more picture books about Olivia including Olivia Saves the Circus, Olivia Forms a Band, Olivia Helps with Christmas, and Olivia Goes to Venice. He also illustrated… Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary by author David Sedaris.