Ralph Masiello was born and raised in the state of Massachusetts, where he lives with his daughters Alexa and Talia. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA, Illustration, 1985), Ralph has illustrated for magazines, newspapers and books, created posters and prints, and shown his fine art paintings in galleries throughout the world. Beginning with The Icky Bug Alphabet Book in 1986, Ralph has become internationally known for the children’s books he’s written and illustrated. Since 1987, he has visited over 3,300 schools all over the world, inspiring children with his life story, humor, and art.  www.ralphmasiello.com

Awards

New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award, IRA/CBC Children’s Choices, Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, Early Childhood News Director’s Choice Award.

1. I was born on a skunk cabbage plantation (this is a lie).
2. I am an avid alpine skier (this is the truth).
3. I had an imaginary friend when I was little. His name was Charlie Pistachio and he lived in the radiator of my house (this is true…and I am writing and illustrating a book about him!).