Who wrote the 1990 picture book that inspired the character Shrek?

William Steig wrote the 1990 picture book that inspired the character Shrek.

Steig’s book, titled Shrek!, follows an ugly green ogre who leaves home, encounters unusual characters, and eventually marries a princess. DreamWorks adapted the basic character and fairy-tale premise for the 2001 animated film, while creating a much broader comic world around them.

The movie’s Shrek differs substantially from the book’s version. The film adds Donkey, Fiona’s curse, Lord Farquaad, modern songs, and a story about self-acceptance. Steig’s original work nevertheless supplied the name, the ogre protagonist, and the reversal of traditional fairy-tale expectations.

Steig was an American author and illustrator known for children’s books as well as work for The New Yorker. His connection to the franchise is sometimes overlooked because the films became far more widely known than the source book.