Mercer Mayer ​

Mercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator who has published over 300 books. He is best known for the Little Critter and Little Monster series, which are widely loved by children around the world.

Quick Facts ​

• Author of over 300 books.
• His most well-known creation is the Little Critter series.
• The books are meant to teach and introduce younger children to new ideas.
• His characters have been staples of children's literature.
• His books have been translated into different languages and sold in over 30 countries.

Background ​

Mayer was born in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and studied art at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Art Students League in New York City. After serving for several years in the United States Navy, he began his career as a writer and illustrator of children's books. His most famous character is Little Critter, first introduced in 1975's Just For You. The character has appeared in over 200 books since then. Mayer has also created other popular characters such as Little Monster and Professor Wormbog. He both writes and illustrates his books, and his work has been published in more than 15 languages.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Mayer's books are full of anthropomorphic animal characters dealing with typical preschool child issues. His writing is straightforward and precise, visual, often accompanied by his own illustrations that help narrate the story line. His work, especially the Little Critter series, is widely known and loved by children who relate to the little protagonist’s everyday life experiences. He has significantly contributed to children's literature helping little kids understand and articulate their feelings.

Notable Works ​

• Little Critter series (1975-present)
• The Boy Who Said No (1991)
• Beauty and the Beast (1992)
• Herman Melville Moby Dick, a pop-up book (1992)
• Frog Goes to Dinner (1994)
• Little Red Riding Hood (1995)