The Boy Who Became a Parrot by Wolverton Hill illustrated by Laura Carlin

 A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear, Who Invented Nonsense

An interesting picture book biography   Mr. Hill reveals Lear's unique childhood (#20 child in his family!, raised by his oldest sister, his bouts of epilepsy) and how he later connects with children and writes his nonsense verses.

I did not care for the illustrations. I, however, loved Lear's illustrations of animals. He was an amazing artist.

Considerations: It mentions he wanted to marry but felt "traditional marriage seemed like ill-fitting shoes: 'Far too tight" & that some of his poems are about unconventional unions. Lear's companion for sixteen years ended up being a cat named Foss. Six months after Foss dies, Lear passes away.