Brian P. Cleary

Brian P. Cleary, (born October 1, 1959, in Lakewood, Ohio) is an American humorist, poet, United States patent holder, inventor and author. The bow-tie wearing children's author is best known for his books that explore grammar in humorous ways written for grade-school children.

One of nine children, Cleary graduated fromSaint Ignatius High School, a private Roman Catholic Jesuit high school for young men in Cleveland, Ohio. He then graduated with a degree in Communications from John Carroll University in 1982, also located in Cleveland.

Since 1982, he has worked for American Greetings Corporation—one of the largest creative divisions in the world—where he is currently the Senior Editor working on product from greeting cards to songs, and electronic greetings. He also tours the U.S. and Europe as an author visiting schools and presenting to students and staff.

Cleary created the best-selling "Words are CATegorical" series for grade school readers, a 27-volume set with more than 3 million copies in print published by Lerner Publishing Group. He has also written humor essays for national and local magazines and newspapers. His cartoon writings have been published in more than 600 newspapers worldwide. His books have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. His poetry has been anthologized alongside Jack Prelutsky, Kenn Nesbitt, and Lemony Snicket in a collection tilted "One Minute Till Bedtime."

Cleary's literary influences include Ogden Nash, Shel Silverstein, and E.E. Cummings.

• International Reading Association/Children's Book Council Children's Choice Award
• American Booksellers Association Kids' Pick of the List
• Benjamin Franklin Award (First Place)
• Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, Honor Book