Tomi Ungerer

Born in Strasbourg on 28 November 1931, Strasbourg is one of the world's best-known cartoonists. A poster artist, author and illustrator, inventor of objects, collector and advertising designer, he has been considered one of the most important authors of children's literature for over 60 years. His books have been translated into over forty languages and made into films, such as Jean de la Lune (2012) and Les trois brigands (2007). Tomi Ungerer received a number of awards in 1998, including the Hans Christian Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. In the same year he was appointed ambassador for children and education by the Council of Europe.In 2014, he was appointed Commandeur de l'Ordre National du Mérite (Commander of the National Order of Merit), one of the highest distinctions of the French public service, and was appointed to the Elysée Palace. Then in 2018 he was promoted to the rank of Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur at the Palais de l’Elysée. Sadly Tomi Ungerer died on 9 February 2019 at the age of 87 in Cork, Ireland.

Even though he lived mainly far from his native land, Tomi Ungerer has become a true symbol of Alsace. A musmuseum located in Strasbourg is dedicated to his œuvres, which were légued by Tomi Ungerer himself.

Tomi Ungerer. Photo by Aria Ungerer