Max Velthuijs

Max Velthuijs was born in The Hague in 1923 and passed away there in 2005 at the age of 81. He studied graphic arts and worked professionally in designing and composing posters, stamps, children's books, covers, and animations. Starting in 1969, he began writing and illustrating his own books, which addressed "difficult" topics with great tenderness and humor, speaking to the hearts of children. He participated in many illustration exhibitions (both solo and group) and was awarded in international competitions. Some of his most significant accolades include the Graphic Award of the Society of Illustrators in America, the Prix de Treize in France, the Bestlist Award in Germany, and in the Netherlands, the Silver Pencil and twice the Golden Paintbrush. In 2004, he was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration by IBBY, the highest international recognition in the field of illustration. His books are published in 40 countries, and his works are exhibited in a museum in The Hague.