Jean Marzollo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jean Marzollo
Born	Jean Martin (1942-06-24)June 24, 1942 Manchester, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	April 10, 2018(2018-04-10) (aged 75) Cold Spring, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Author, illustrator
Notable works	I SPY series (children's books) Help Me Learn Addition Help Me Learn Numbers 0-20 Pierre the Penguin The Little Plant Doctor Mama Mama/Papa Papa Close Your Eyes Pretend You're a Cat Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
Notable awards	2000 Rip Van Winkle Award by School Lib. Media Specialists of SE NY Assoc.
Spouse	Claudio Marzollo ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	2

Jean Marzollo (born June 24, 1942 – died April 10, 2018) was an American author and illustrator who wrote over 100 books for children. She is best known for creating the popular I Spy series, which uses fun rhymes and amazing photographs to create picture riddles. Her books have won many awards and are loved by kids all over the world.

About Jean Marzollo's Life

Her Early Life and Education

Jean Marzollo grew up in Connecticut, USA. She went to Manchester High School and then studied at the University of Connecticut. After that, she continued her education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Her Career as an Editor and Author

Jean started her career as a high school English teacher. Later, she worked on projects related to early childhood education. For 20 years, from 1972 to 1992, she was the editor of "Let's Find Out" Magazine for Scholastic. This magazine helped young children learn.

Jean Marzollo wrote many books for teachers and parents. She also wrote articles about children for popular magazines like Parents Magazine and Redbook.

The Famous I Spy Series

Jean Marzollo became very well-known for her best-selling I Spy series. She worked with photographer Walter Wick to create these books. The I Spy books are full of clever rhymes and detailed photographs. Kids love to search for hidden objects in the pictures.

Besides I Spy, Jean wrote many other children's books. Some of these include Help Me Learn Addition, Pierre the Penguin, and Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King.

Jean Marzollo as an Illustrator

After writing children's books for more than twenty years, Jean also started to illustrate them herself. She retold and drew pictures for five Bible stories and three Greek myths. She also wrote and illustrated two counting books for young children: Ten Little Eggs and Ten Little Christmas Presents.

Jean Marzollo's Passing

Jean Marzollo passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018, when she was 75 years old. She was survived by her husband, Claudio Marzollo, who was a sculptor. He also helped her write some of her science fiction and fantasy books for children. She also had two sons.

Books Written by Jean Marzollo