A Golden Sturdy Book Books

Aurelius Battaglia was an American illustrator, writer, and director. The son of Italian immigrants, he began his professional illustration career as a caricaturist before being recognized for his talent and hired by Walt Disney Studios in 1937. There he contributed to such famous animated films as Dumbo, Fantasia, and Pinocchio, the latter of which he is also credited as one of the writers for. In addition to his work in animation, he was also a prolific children’s book illustrator from 1947 until the end of his life. He died in 1984.

Ole Risom (1920-2000) was one of the most influential publishers of mass-market books for children. He was vice president and art director of Golden Books at Western Publishing Company from 1952-1972, and then vice president and associate publisher of the juvenile division of Random House from 1972-1990. He worked closely with his good friend Richard Scarry over the years at both houses. He also worked with Dr. Seuss, Jim Henson, Stan and Jan Berenstain, Leo Lionni, Laurent de Brunhoff, Charles M. Schulz, and Marc Brown.

Olivia grew up in the small town of Chester CT, and now lives in Providence, RI. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated in 2014. Besides illustrating, Olivia loves playing with her cats, raising silk moths, and collecting anything cute! She also enjoys sewing and felting miniature animals! Clients include: Scholastic Press, Tundra Books, Golden Books, Cottage Door Press, Sterling Publishing, Simon & Schuster