Ezra Jack Keats was a renowned American author and illustrator, best known for his groundbreaking children's book "The Snowy Day," published in 1962. Born on March 11, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York, Keats broke new ground by featuring an African American protagonist in his stories, a first for mainstream children's literature. With a career spanning over three decades, Keats wrote and illustrated more than 20 books, earning accolades for his vibrant collage style and heartfelt storytelling. His contribution to children's literature continues to inspire diverse representation and inclusivity. Ezra Jack Keats passed away on May 6, 1983.