Amy Schwartz (1954–2023) wrote and illustrated more than 60 highly acclaimed books for young readers. She was best known for her warm, funny, child-centered picture books, including her 100 Things series, which Kirkus Reviews praised in a starred review: “With this trio of books, Schwartz solidifies her place alongside the likes of Kate Greenaway, Gyo Fujikawa, Helen Oxenbury, Shirley Hughes, and Marla Frazee as chroniclers of little ones’ lives.” Schwartz created two New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year and won the Christopher Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Award, and the National Jewish Book Award, among others. Few picture book creators of recent times have known so well how to touch and delight young audiences. Dasha Tolstikova has written and/or illustrated many books for young readers, including The Jacket, a New York Times Notable Children’s Book, and A Year Without Mom, which Kirkus praised in a starred review as “fascinating and heartfelt.” She is honored to be illustrating the fourth book in Amy Schwartz’s 100 Things series. As a friend and fan of Schwartz’s, Tolstikova hopes she has imbued this book with both the reverence and humor it deserves. Tolstikova lives in Brooklyn with her small dog, Princess Margaret Muffin.
