Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican-American author and illustrator known for his distinctive artwork which is inspired by Pre-Columbian art, particularly that of the Mixtec codex. Born in Mexico City in 1984, he grew up in both Mexico and the United States. Tonatiuh's work often addresses social themes and aims to create images and narratives that resonate with and represent the lives and cultures of Mexican and Mexican-American people. His award-winning children's books often combine his unique, modern drawings with elements from ancient art, and they frequently illuminate issues such as migration, social justice, and cultural heritage. Some of his notable works include "Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin," "Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale," "Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation," and "Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras." Tonatiuh has received several prestigious awards for his work, including the Pura Belpré Medal and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award. His contribution to children's literature not only provides young readers with eye-catching visuals but also important narratives that educate and promote understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.