Simms Taback grew up in the Bronx and went to Cooper Union for his education. He's worked as an art director and graphic designer, as well as teaching at the School of Visual Arts and Syracuse University. He has illustrated a number of children's books, including I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly (Viking), Spacy Riddles, Snakey Riddles, Buggy Riddles, and Fishy Riddles (all written by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg, Dial), and Spacy Riddles, Snakey Riddles, Buggy Riddles, and Fishy Riddles (all written by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg, Dial). I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly won the Caldecott Honor Prize Medal, and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. Taback is the father of three children and the grandpa of three grandchildren. He resides in Willow, New York with his wife.