Born in Los Angeles, California on May 22, 1933

Grew up in Schenectedy, New York

Was Jewish

Attended Pratt Institute in New York City (graduated 1955)

Married Anita Kempler in 1955

Worked as a sign painter and in  advertising prior to becoming a children's book illustrator and author

Had one daughter (Adrianne) and one son (Adam)

Anita Lobel was also a successful children's book author and illustrator

Received a Caldecott Honor in 1970 for Frog and Toad Are Friends

Received a Caldecott Honor in 1972 for Hildilid's Night

Received a Newbery Honor Award in 1973 for Frog and Toad Together

Awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1981 for Fables

Came out to his family as gay sometime in the early 1980s

Died of complications from AIDS on December 4, 1987