In the 1970s, Michael Smollin was one of the few illustrators whose work defined the overall style of Sesame Street. Sadly, the artist responsible for the classic “The Monster at the End of This Book” passed away last week at the age of 85.

His resume hardly starts and ends with that one book. Even beyond it’s sequel, Smollin illustrated some of our favorite books like “Big Bird’s Red Book“, “The Great Cookie Thief“, and “Would You Like to Play Hide and Seek in This Book with Lovable, Furry, Old Grover?” (Wow, what a title!) He also provided art for album covers, calendars, plates, Colorforms, Magic Slates, and much more.

Michael Smollin will be missed, but we can be thankful that he left us so much memorable artwork to remember him by.

Click here to visit Smollin’s personal website to learn more about him, and click here to revisit his most classic book.

Click here to help us remember Michael Smollin on the ToughPigs forum!

by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com