Planting a Rainbow author and illustrator Lois Ehlert dies at 86

It was a big loss for Children’s literature in the past week. We’re so sad to say goodbye to two legendary children’s book author & illustrators - Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert.

Publisher Simon & Schuster said that Ehlert died of natural causes on Tuesday May 25, 2021 in Milwaukee. She was 86.

Lois Ehlert was an American author and illustrator of children's books, most famous for her unique inventive cut-and-paste collage and vibrant colorful illustration style in her nature-themed picture books for preschoolers. She began illustrating children's books in her 50s, starting in 1987 with Growing Vegetable Soup.

In 1990, she was awarded a Caldecott Honor Medal as the illustrator of Color Zoo, which uses basic triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles to create images of animals in oversaturated oranges, purples, and greens. Its only words are the names of the shapes and creatures themselves.

Lois Ehlert has created numerous inventive, celebrated, and bestselling picture books. Her other books include  Planting a Rainbow, Eating the Alphabet, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Waiting for Wings, and Leaf Man.

Here is the list of her books available at Ottawa Public Library for you to read and enjoy.