Quick Facts
Biography
José Aruego (August 9, 1932-August 9, 2012) was a Filipino children's book author and illustrator. He was born in Manila and once worked as a lawyer. He died in New York City, where he lived for decades, on August 9, 2012.
Background
Aruego graduated from law school at the University of the Philippines and passed the bar. He came to New York City in 1956 and studied at Parsons School of Design. He started to pen cartoons and this was when his career really started. Many of his cartoons were published in The New Yorker and The Saturday Evening Post.
Books
Aruego wrote 82 children's books. He worked alongside Ariane Dewey in creating the books that were about animals. Among his best known books were Whose Mouse Are You?, Leo the Late Bloomer and Gregory the Terrible Eater. Their first book was published in 1969. In 2006, they reunited to produce The Last Laugh, a picture book that had a strong anti-bullying message. He lectured extensively at elementary schools, insisting on sketching a character into every book that he signed and teaching students to draw his alligators.
Hobbies
Aruego took up calligraphy later in life. He loved to travel.
Family
He had one son, Juan.