



🎂 Born February 1, 1941: Jerry Spinelli
Famous American children’s literature authorJerry SpinelliHe is known for his extremely keen observation of the psychological state of school-aged children, especially those before puberty.
- Important works and achievements:
- Newbery Medal: With theLegendary Kid-Maniac Magee(Published in 1990) won awards 1991 Newbery Medal.
- content: It tells the story of an orphan named Jeffrey Lionel McGee who runs through the segregated town of Two Mills, trying to unravel racial prejudice. The book is considered a classic for its legendary nature and profound exploration of racism.
- Newbery Honor: With theThe Troubles of a Ten-Year-Old-Wringer(Published in 1997) won an award 1998 Newbery Silver MedalIt explores the struggles boys face in the face of peer pressure and violent traditions.
- other: His other work isstar girl-StargirlIt is also a bestselling classic about nonconformity.
| born | Jerry Spinelli | Jerry Spinelli (Wikipedia) |




⚰️ February 1, 1978 – Died: Don Freeman
American renowned pictorial book author and illustratorDon FreemanHe died in 1908–1978.
- Important works and contributions:
- Coco the Bear(Corduroy(1968): The story of this teddy bear wearing green corduroy overalls with a missing button searching for a button (and home) in a department store is one of the most beloved picture book characters in the world and was included in “1001 Children’s Books”.
- Caldecott Honor: With theThe house in the letter B-Fly High, Fly Low(Published in 1957) won an award 1958 Caldecott HonorThe story tells of two pigeons nesting in a billboard (the letter B) in San Francisco, showcasing the beautiful cityscape.
| Death Don Freeman | Don Freeman (Wikipedia) |



🎂 February 1, 1930 – Birth: María Elena Walsh
Argentine writer, poet, and musicianMaria Elena WalshBorn (1930–2011). (Note: She passed away on January 10, as mentioned in a previous briefing; today is her birthday.)
- Important works and achievements:
- She is hailed as Argentina’s “national treasure” and revolutionized Latin American children’s literature, freeing it from traditional didacticism.
- Representative works: 《Tutu Maramba-Tutú Marambá), 《The Upside-Down Kingdom-El reino del revés)as well as“Little Elephant Jifuji-Dailan KifkiHer song “Manuel the Turtle” is a household name in Argentina.
| born | María Elena Walsh | María Elena Walsh (Wikipedia) |

🎂 Born February 1, 1967: Meg Cabot
American bestselling authorMeg Capoteborn.
- Important works and contributions:
- The Princess Diaries(The Princess DiariesThis novel, written in diary form, tells the hilarious story of Mia, an ordinary New York high school student who suddenly discovers she is a princess of a small European country. Not only is it a bestselling classic in young adult (YA) literature, but its film adaptation has also become part of popular culture.
| born Meg Cabot | Meg Cabot (Wikipedia) |

⚰️ February 1, 1988 – Died: NM Bodecker
Danish-American illustrator and writerNM BodekHe died (1922–1988). (Note: He was born on January 13).
- Important works and contributions:
- He is from Edward Eager’s classic magical series (such as…)Half magicHe is the illustrator of [the book/anthology]. He is also an excellent poet of nonsense verse, whose works are full of Nordic humor and wisdom.
| Death | NM Bodecker | NM Bodecker (Wikipedia) |


🎂 Born February 1, 1961: James Preller
American writersJames Prellerborn.
- Important works and contributions:
- Puzzle Jones series(Jigsaw JonesThis is a very popular beginner chapter book series that tells the story of second-grade detective Jones solving mysteries in his school. It is perfect for children transitioning from picture books to text books.
| born | James Preller | James Preller (Wikipedia) |

🗓️ Other Important Person Briefings
| Event | People | Details/Awards | Main References | — | | born | Hugo Fontana (Ugo Fontana) | Italian illustrator.1969 BIB Honorary AwardThe winner (of “The Great Queen”). He is a renowned Italian illustrator of fables and fairy tales. | N/A |