Ann Grifaloconi received a Certificate of Art from The Cooper Union in 1950. She received a BA in Art History from New York University. She initially worked as a teacher. The first book that she published was City Rhythms which was published in 1965. She wrote and Illustrated numerous children’s books. Many of the books were set in Africa. Her books include:

  • City Rhythms, 1965
  • The Village of Round and Square Houses, 1986
  • Darkness and the Butterfly, 1987
  • Osa’s Pride, 1990
  • Flyaway Girl, 1992
  • The Village That Vanished, 2002
  • Kinda Blue, 1993
  • Tiny’s Hat, 1999
  • The Bravest Flute, 1994
  • Not Home: A Novel, 1995
  • Tio Armando, 1998

Ann Grifaloconi passed away on February 19, 2020.

Awards:

Her book, The Village of Round and Square Houses, received the Caldecott Honor in 1987.

Ms. Grifalconi illustrated The Jazz Man (1966), a Newbery Honor book, written by her mother, Mary Hays Wiek. She also illustrated Everett Anderson’s Goodbye which received the Coretta Scott King Award.

References:

  • Goodreads Ann Grifalconi, Link
  • Ann Grifalconi, Whose Children’s Books Bridged Cultures, Dies at 90, New York Times, March 4, 2020, Link
  • Ann Grifalconi Papers, Children’s Literature Research Collections, University of Minnesota Libraries, Link
  • Ann Grifalconi, Thriftbooks, Link
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