Leo Lionni Birthplace: Amsterdam, Holland Author Biography Leo Lionni was born in Amsterdam, Holland on May 5, 1910. He died May 31, 1990. Lionni graduated from the University of Genoa, Italy in 1935 with a Doctorate in Economics. He ran his own advertising agency and then moved to the United States in 1939. Lionni worked as a designer until his career as an artist and illustrator took off. He and his wife, Nora Maffi, had two sons. His main hobby was playing the flamenco guitar. Lionni is best known for his picture books. "Inch by Inch" was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1961. "Swimmy" was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1964. "Frederick" was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1968. "Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse" was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1970. Updating Results ...No matching titles were found. Loading...