Howard Pyle (1853 - 1911) was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people.

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, he spent the last year of his life in Florence, Italy.

Howard Pyle (1853–1911) is remembered as the Father of American Illustration on account of his teachings at the turn of the 20th century. His small school produced several industry-leading illustrators, including N.C. Wyeth, Harvey Dunn, Violet Oakley, and Jessie Willcox Smith.

Pyle's stories and drawings epitomize the era known as the Golden Age of American Illustration, setting a standard of excellence with tales and images remarkable for their engaging simplicity and penetrating realism.