Thomas Scofield Handforth was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 16, 1897.  Handforth studied at the University of Washington and at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris.  He worte, illustrated, and was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1939 for his book, Mei Li about his experiences in China.  He died in Los Angeles on October 19, 1948.

Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"