William Lipkind (December 17, 1904, New York City – October 2, 1974) was an American writer most famous for his children's picture book collaborations with Nicholas Mordvinoff, under the pseudonym Will (jointly Nicolas and Will).[1] Before his writing and illustrating career, he was already an established anthropologist, graduating from Columbia University in 1937.[2] He earned a master's in English literature. His undergraduate degree was from City College of New York in 1927. His doctorate was in anthropology.[3]
In 1947, he wrote Finders Keepers, published by Harcourt Brace and winner of the 1951 Caldecott Medal.[3]
Beginning in 1939, Lipkind spent two years in Brazil studying two Indian tribes. His research resulted in a grammar and dictionary upon his return in the US.[3] One publication was called Winnebago Grammar.[4] It began as his dissertation at Columbia in 1944.[5]
Lipkind taught anthropology at New York University and at Hunter College, children's literature.[3]