Richard McClure Scarry (June 5, 1919 – April 30, 1994) - last name pronounced /'skæ ri/[1] - was an enormously popular American children's author and illustrator who published over 300 books with total sales of 300 million worldwide.

Scarry was born in Boston, Massachusetts, where his parents ran a shop. The Scarry family enjoyed a comfortable life even during the time of the Great Depression. Following high school graduation, Scarry enrolled in a business college but soon dropped out, finding it not to his liking. He then studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where he remained until being drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II.

Following the war, Scarry worked for the art departments of various magazines before making a career breakthrough in 1949 with Little Golden Books.

Amazon.com Review

Pigs and foxes and cats, oh my! Creatures at work and at play--what more could a young reader ask for in a first book? The simple pleasures of these 12 stories, combined with large type; engaging, illustration-heavy text; and a light format are appreciated by children on the verge of reading, as well as those already sounding out their first words. Plenty of exciting situations ensure that no one will want to put this book down. What will Frances Fix-It do when Mrs. Pig's oven blows up, showering fudge all over the kitchen? How will Sniff the detective dog crack the case of the missing bracelets? And is it really true that nothing happened during Uncle Harry and Uncle Larry's day on their fishing boat? Richard Scarry carefully blends simple sentences with complex ones in order to encourage yet challenge new readers. His big, colorful, detail-rich illustrations entertain children while reinforcing their learning. Scarry's timeless Best books have been first favorites for decades, enticing readers back to the books again and again. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Product Description

Twelve easy-to-read stories written and illustrated by the inimitable Richard Scarry. Young readers will enjoy reading about Frances Fix-it, Dr. Doctor, Smokey the Fireman, and other wonderful characters in this oversized volume.