Kevin Henkes (b. 1960) grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he studied drawing with John Wilde (the last year he taught) and book arts with Walter Hamady and Phil Hamilton.Since 1981 he’s written and illustrated over sixty children’s books. In addition to his published books, he makes assemblages from wooden boxes and other found objects. He also makes collages.He draws inspiration from the cut-outs of Henri Matisse, the paintings of Giorgio Morandi, and the boxes of Joseph Cornell. His work reflects the joy he finds playing with color, shape, and texture.