Slobodkin << sloh BOD kihn >>, Louis (1903-1975), was an American sculptor and author-illustrator of children’s books. He received the Caldecott Medal in 1944 for his illustrations for James Thurber‘s book Many Moons. The first children’s books he wrote and illustrated were Friendly Animals (1944) and Magic Michael (1944). His other children’s books include Bixxy and the Secret Message (1949) and Amiable Giant (1955). His sculpture decorates many public buildings. He wrote Sculpture: Principles and Practice (1949).
Slobodkin was born on Feb. 19, 1903, in Albany, New York. He died on May 8, 1975.