Lois Ehlert was a visionary children’s book author and illustrator whose bold, colorful, and inventive work transformed the way young readers experience books. Born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Ehlert developed a passion for color, shape, and design from an early age. Her parents, both skilled in craftsmanship—her mother in sewing and her father in carpentry—nurtured her creativity by sharing fabric scraps, wood pieces, and tools. This early exposure to making and designing became the foundation for her distinctive artistic style.

After graduating high school, Ehlert received a scholarship to attend the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, where she honed her skills in graphic design. She graduated in 1957 and spent several years working as a freelance illustrator, contributing her unique style to children’s books before publishing her own.

Ehlert’s debut as both an author and illustrator came with “Growing Vegetable Soup“ (1987), a vibrant, collage-style book that walks young readers through the process of planting and harvesting a garden. Following this, she pushed the boundaries of book design by experimenting with die-cut pages, bold color contrasts, and mixed media techniques, incorporating fabrics, papers, and everyday objects into her illustrations.

Her love of nature was a recurring theme in her books. Titles like “Waiting for Wings“ (2001) introduced children to scientific concepts— such as the life cycle of butterflies — through engaging, dynamic visuals. She had a remarkable ability to present educational content in a way that sparked curiosity and excitement in young readers.

Ehlert’s collage-based illustrations were instantly recognizable, featuring bright, cut-paper designs and layered textures that brought energy and movement to each page. She frequently used found objects in her work, collecting leaves, twigs, fabric scraps, and even bottle caps to incorporate into her designs. This approach not only added depth to her illustrations but also encouraged children to see art as something that could be created from everyday materials.

Over her career, Ehlert wrote and illustrated dozens of books, leaving an indelible mark on children's literature. Her innovative approach inspired both young readers and fellow artists, proving that storytelling could be as much about visual exploration as it was about words. Through her work, she made learning about nature, science, and creativity an interactive and joyful experience. (hs)