Swiss illustrator and graphic artist Etienne Delessert celebrates his birthday on January 4th. He was born in Lausanne but now lives and works in Connecticut.

Delessert has earned international acclaim including two graphics prizes from the International Children's Book Fair in Bologna and four gold medals from the American Society of Illustrators. He has largely contributed to the renewal of children's books throughout the world.

Mr. Delessert has illustrated more than fifty books, full of fantastical creatures and magical worlds. He wrote and illustrated A Long, Long Song and Ashes, Ashes. He has also done creations for "Sesame Street."

Delessert's adult illustrations appear in the New York Times, Fortune and Atlantic Monthly.

—Karen Ritz