Luis Coloma

Born in Jerez de la Frontera in 1851, Luis Coloma became a Jesuit, journalist, and one of the notable Spanish writers of his time. He studied law at the University of Seville before entering religious life, and his writing moved easily between fiction, essays, and biographical work.

He is now especially famous for creating Ratoncito Pérez, the little mouse who became a lasting figure in Spanish-speaking childhood culture. But Coloma was far more than the author of one famous tale: he was a prolific writer whose books included novels, short stories, and studies of historical and religious figures.

Coloma died in Madrid in 1915. More than a century later, he is still remembered both for his place in Spanish literary life and for giving generations of readers one of their most cherished childhood characters.