Since his arrival in the United States in 1952, PETER SPIER has become one of this country's most popular and renowned illustrators. His books, acclaimed by critics and readers alike, have won numerous awards and honors: Noah's Ark won the Caldecott Medal and The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night was a Caldecott Honor Book. People was awarded the Christopher Medal and was also nominated for an American Book Award and received the National Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for "outstanding contributions to better human relations and the cause of brotherhood." Mr. Spier was born and educated in Amsterdam. Before coming to the United States he served in the Royal Dutch Navy. He has illustrated over one hundred books, and his work can be found in museums and private collections across the country. He and his wife live in Shoreham, New York.

In addition to illustrating and writing, Mr. Spier is an avid and celebrated builder of model ships.