He could have written under any pen name, but the very magic of his writing is the same, captivating the young (and old) readers, still today. Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr.Seuss, could be the first name for many, that flashes, at the mention of children's literature.
A children's book can be entertaining, educational or moralistic. But how could it be 'Seriously Silly'? Well, that's Sandra Boynton's way. The conceptual silliness fits not only to kids, but also to fun looking adults. Sandra Boynton's books are often characterized by less text, rollicking simple illustrations and a silly( but one, which makes the readers smile) theme.
Career
The career graph of this author is versatile. She is multi talented and established her niche in more than one field. She is a
Children's book author and illustrator
Cartoonist
Music producer
Song writer
Director
Greeting card designer
Designer of various other things
Author of books for grown-ups
Works
Her first children's book "Hippos Go Berserk!", published in 1977, was originally a project she did in Yale school for drama. From that time, she had written nearly fifty books. Most of her books are board books, intended for small children. Concepts (opposites, animal sounds, moods) and literary themes (alphabets, numbers) have been the center theme of many of her books.
Her 'Little Pookie' book series features a adorable little pig and explores some emotional tidbits from a toddler's point of view. There are four 'Little Pookie' books and a prequel to them, make it a total of five.
Awards
It is no wonder, this ingenious author has bagged several awards.
Irma Simonton Black Award (1985) - For "Chloe and Maude"
National Cartoonists Society Award(1993)
National Parenting Publications Gold Medal (1994) - For "The Barnyard Dance"
Milton Caniff LifeTime Achievement Award (2007)
Apart from this, she has also won awards and acclaims for her creative work in the field of greeting card designs, music and short films.
Other Titles in Blog
Titles about Sandra Boynton and her works, in this blog:
(In alphabetical Order. Click the titles to see more details).
It could be just a crawling caterpillar or a slow moving turtle, a boisterous monkey or a gigantic elephant, every animal takes a vibrant color in Eric Carle's fascinating collages. Among many authors and illustrators, who are loved by children, Eric Carle is special, to be fancied by babies and toddlers.
Career :
Starting his career as a graphic designer and art director of an advertising agency, Eric Carle's world is always attached to arts, designs and illustrations. It was in 1967, he joined hands with Bill Martin Jr., and made his first ever children's book 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?'. The success of this book marked the beginning of a successful author and illustrator. Through out his career, he authored many books and illustrated some books along with authors like Richard Buckley, Bill Martin Jr. and others.
Works :
No essay on Eric Carle would be complete, without the mention of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", the most acclaimed work of the author. It was translated into over 30 languages and still continues to awe every generation.
In total, Eric Carle has authored and illustrated more than fifty books, the most famous among them being, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", "The Grouchy Ladybug", "Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me", "The Very Busy Spider" etc.
Techniques :
The uniqueness of Eric Carle's sketches starts from his innovative mind, conducted to the medium through his collage techniques, using hand painted papers. He uses a variety of materials including brushes, sponges to get various textures in his illustrations.
Apart from the illustration, the lights in the 'The Very Lonely Firefly' and the chirping sounds in the 'The Very Quiet Cricket' add life to his already wonderful books.
Awards :
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award - 2003
Regina Medal - 1999
Honorary degrees from various deemed universities.
Japan Picture Book Award - 2000
Also, many of his books have won various awards, including International Children's Book Fair First Prize for '1,2,3 to the Zoo' (1970), American Institute of Graphic Arts Award for 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' (1970) and various other awards.
From This Blog
Titles about Eric Carle and his works, in this blog:
A post about Marcia Brown can be titled in many ways :
A distinguished children's author and illustrator
An illustrator whose pictures can express
Three times winner of Caldecott Medals
Recipient of notable awards and medals
Regardless of whichever way she is introduced, she is undoubtedly a brilliant contributor to children's literature. Her first book 'The Little Carousel' was published in 1946. From that time on, she has written and illustrated over thirty books.
Apart from the capturing narration, it is the pictures that impact more in her books. Even before reading her book, the illustrations can convey and transfer a lot to the readers. The magical vibrations of 'Cinderella', the dark 'shadowy' and bright 'real' pictures of 'Shadow', the delightful orange tones of 'Stone Soup' and other notable works had clearly brought her Caldecott awards. As Marcia Brown was inspired by many tales and fables around the world, she has molded them into adorable children's books. Marcia Brown's efficient storytelling has given textual and visual life to those folktales and fairy tales.
Awards and Medals:
The list of awards and medals received by Marcia Brown:
Caldecott Winner for three times
Cinderella(1955)
Once A Mouse(1962)
Shadow(1983)
Caldecott Runner-up or Honor for six times
Stone Soup(1948)
Henry-Fisherman(1950)
Dick Whittington and His Cat(1951)
Skipper John's Cook(1952)
Puss in Boots(1953)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier(1954)
Regina Medal (1977)
Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal(1992)
United states nominee for Hans Christian Anderson Award(1966 & 1976)
Either it is writing or illustrating, the contribution of Marcia Brown to children's literature is enormous and her books would be enriching generations to come.
Not only kids, even grown-ups would get mesmerized with the fantasy stories of the famous author and illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg. With a dazzling start, as his first book 'Garden of Abdul Gasazi' is a Caldecott Honor Winner, each book created by this author is a clean winner in the field of Children's literature.
His books are filled with the elements of mystery, built upon supernatural elements. Not only the story-telling, it is the illustrations that strike first in his books and make the book more magical. The dreamy illustrations of 'The Polar Express', the subtle gray dominated illustrations of 'Jumanji' & 'The Garden of Abdul Gasazi' and there is a whole lot to be expressed in this way. No wonder, he bagged two Caldecott awards for 'The Polar Express' and 'Jumanji'. Also he received Caldecott Honor award for 'The Garden of Abdul Gasazi'.
He has written about twenty books, among which three are successfully transformed into motion pictures.
Jumanji (1995)
The Polar Express(2004)
Zathura (2005)
Apart from this, he illustrated the following books.
Swan Lake - Mark Helprin(1989)
A city in Winter - Mark Helprin(1996)
The veil of Snows -Mark Helprin(1997)
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S.Lewis(1994 - The cover art of re-jacketed edition)
Titles about Chris Van Allsburg and his works, in this blog:
(Click titles to get more details)
