Byron Barton (Author, Illustrator)

Byron Barton (born Byron Vartanian) was an American author and illustrator of children's picture books, known for his bold, colorful illustrations and simple texts for very young readers. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he studied at the Chouinard Art Institute after serving in the Korean War, then worked in animation and advertising before publishing his first book in 1969 and his debut self-authored title *Elephant* in 1971. His works earned six ALA Notable Books, five SLJ Best Books of the Year, and two *Reading Rainbow* selections; he died in 2023 at age 92.