Biography: William Steig was born in New York City in 1907. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig's work began appearing in the New Yorker. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig in 1968. His books for children also include the famous fairy tale, Shrek!.
Example: In Steig's famous story Shrek!, he deconstructs the gender roles. The princess, Fiona, in the story becomes "ugly" in the middle of the plot. Despite of her appearance, she is able to have happy life unlike most of the fairy tales. Women are often obliged to look pretty, which is part of the gender role. Steig seeks to break this beauty standards that women face perpetually in the society. Also, princess Fiona is physically strong unlike the typical princess in the fairy tales. This makes her an independent person who does not need help from prince to be able to live, which deconstructs the gender roles.