Jo Spier (26 June 1900- 21 May 1978) was a popular Dutch artist and illustrator. He was born Joseph Eduard Adolf Spier in Zutphen, The Netherlands. Jo Spier was married to Albertine Sophie van Raalte and they had three children, Peter Spier, Thomas Spier, DDS and Celine Spier.
From 1924 to 1939, Jo Spier worked for the newspaper De Telegraaf where he created humorous illustrations and cartoons about everyday life. During World War II his subject matter became more political and he was arrested for his satirical depiction of Hitler. He was first sent to the camp at Westerbork, then to Villa Bouchina with his wife and three children. On 21 April 1943 he was transferred to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where he was held with his family until the end of the war.
Jo Spier moved to the United States in 1951 with his family and continued to work until the end of his life. He died in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
His son, Peter Spier, is also a noted illustrator of children's books.
Read more about Jo Spier: Bibliography, Books Illustrated By Jo Spier