Eric Velasquez was born in Spanish Harlem and grew up in Harlem. He attended the High School of Art and Design and earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts. He was awarded the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent for his first picture book, The Piano Man by Debbi Chocolate. He has illustrated many books since then, including Houdini: The World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King by Kathleen Krull and Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive by Carole Boston Weatherford. He wrote and illustrated Grandma's Records, based on his own childhood. He has also created more than 300 book jackets and interior illustrations, including the cover of the Coretta Scott King Award winner Jazmin's Notebook by Nikki Grimes. He lives and works in Hartsdale, New York. Visit him online at www.

ericvelasquez.com.