Innovative - Being able to introduce new ideas or produce something original for the common good.

Brian Floca’s birthday is on January 11th.

Brian was born and grew up in Temple, Texas. He enjoyed visiting his father at work at the family business, a bottling plant where there were a lot of machinery and gears. He also loved exploring the woods behind his house with his best friend, swimming, playing soccer, and watching old movies.

Teachers and his parents gave significant support and encouragement regarding his abiding dedication to draw. He studied art, history, and art history at Brown University, where he even cartooned for the school newspaper. While at Brown, Brian was also able to take illustration classes at the Rhode Island School of Design. Author and illustrator David Macaulay taught one of his classes there and introduced Brian to the well-known author Avi. He was asked to illustrate several books for Avi and other prominent authors.

Brian chooses subjects that appeal to his younger self—racecars, ships, and astronauts. “What I love most in bookmaking is taking a subject that touches and animates my own interest, learning as much as I can about it, and then finding a way to share what I’ve learned with young readers.”

Brian currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.