Politi, Leo (1908-1996), was an American artist and author-illustrator of children’s books. He won the 1950 Caldecott Medal for Song of the Swallows.
Politi was born in Fresno, California. He wrote and illustrated more than 20 books set in California. His books show minority children reacting naturally to their daily problems. His flat posterboard colors and rounded shapes reflect his early work as a folk artist. Two of Politi’s books, Pedro, Angel of Olvera Street (1946) and Rosa (1963), were reproduced in Spanish editions. Politi won the 1966 Regina Medal.
