Mario Ramos (1958–2012) was one of Belgium’s most influential picture book makers. He was born in Brussels to a Belgian mother and a Portuguese father. From early on he was fascinated by how much a small drawing can transmit: "What interests me is to tell a story with pictures. With a pencil and paper, anything is possible." He studied graphic communication, discovering the influential drawings of Saul Steinberg and Tomi Ungerer, then worked in illustration, publishing his first book in 1992. Ramos has since had numerous books published all over the world, and his awards include the Prix Versèle and the Prix des Critiques en Belgique. His birthday, 7 November, is celebrated in France and Belgium as Mario Ramos Day.
