Eric Hill was an English author and illustrator of children's books, best known for his Spot the Dog series. Born in London in 1927, Hill began his career as a commercial artist, working in advertising and creating greeting cards. In 1980, he published his first book, Where's Spot?, which was an instant success and has since been translated into more than 60 languages. The Spot series has sold over 60 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into a television series, stage shows, and video games. Hill's other works include the Lift-the-Flap series, which has sold over 20 million copies, and the Little Monster series. Hill was a passionate advocate for literacy and the power of books to inspire children. He was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to children's literature. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of beloved characters and stories that will continue to bring joy to children for generations to come.