Luis Ignacio Helguera

The author of Gracias a Johannes (First place, IV Premio Internacional del Libro Ilustrado Infantil y Juvenil, 1999), Luis Ignacio Helguera, was born on September 8,1962 in Mexico City, when it was much prettier and there wasn't any smog. He was born at midday, which is the time of day he likes best, because the sun is out, which reminds him of lions and their thick manes. He likes animals, but prefers seeing them to owning them. He likes cats and bears and some stranger animals as well, which he thinks are sweet, such as rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, giraffes, turtles, frogs, chameleons, porcupines, armadillos, and owls. He has published a bestiary that includes several of these.

Luis Ignacio Helguera has an 11-year-old daughter, Marina, who has three turtles and a dog called Múégano; the name of a type of Mexican sticky cake he resembles. Ever since he was a little boy, Luis Ignacio's favorite things have been listening to music and reading and writing stories.

"Gracias a Johannes" is a story with music. He has written several books for adults and is currently writing a series of musical books for children. This is the first one.

Luis Ignacio Helguera died in Mexico City in May 13, 2003.