About the Author

Don Freeman has painted and drawn his way into the hearts of youngsters since publishing his first book for children in 1951. Co-authored with his wife Lydia for their son Roy, the book, Chuggy and the Blue Caboose, was the first of many colorful children’s books written and illustrated by Freeman. Several of his books have since been translated into foreign languages and are still in print today. Freeman did not start out to be a children’s author and illustrator, although by the age of seven he knew he wanted, above all else, to be an artist more than anything. Working with crayolas and whatever drawing paper he could get his hands on, the young Freeman began sketching a perceptive view of the world around him.

Freeman’s artistic talent was given a boost by his grandmother who presented him
with a gift for his high school graduation, a summer course at the San Diego School of Fine Arts. There he met another aspiring artist, Lydia Cooley, who would later become his wife. Firmly entrenched in his artistic pursuit, Freeman left for New York to study at the Art Students League with John Sloan and Harry Wickey.

He is best known for the Children's book Corduroy.