They Were Strong and Good

Robert Lawson (1892–1957) was an American author and illustrator best known for his children's books, including the Caldecott Medal winner They Were Strong and Good (1941) and Newbery Medal winner Rabbit Hill (1945); he is the only person to win both awards. Born in New York City and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, he studied art, served in World War I's camouflage unit, and after marrying artist Marie Abrams in 1922, illustrated over 40 books by others such as The Story of Ferdinand and Mr. Popper's Penguins, while authoring 17 of his own often featuring animal narrators. Read more →