Why he’s great: Probably known best for his colorful illustrations, he’s a great writer with simple story lines, usually involving animals (which most kids love). Carle’s books appeal to babies and preschoolers alike — both my kids enjoy his stuff. His books usually have a unique set up, such as holes in the pages or smaller pages leading to bigger ones.Some of his best: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Grouchy Ladybug
, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Grouchy Ladybug
Kevin Henkes
Why he’s great: He’s one of the better modern-day authors, with lovable characters who go through many of the same day-to-day situations as our children.Some of his best: Owen, Jessica, and Wemberly Worried
, Jessica, and Wemberly Worried
Steven Kellogg
Why he’s great: His over-the-top plots and delightful illustrations are a joy to read out loud, and they interest a wide age range of kids (and adults).Some of his best: The Mysterious Tadpole, Pecos Bill, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
, Pecos Bill, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
Ruth Krauss
Arnold Lobel
Why he’s great: His illustrations are quality of the vintage sort, with sweet faces and detailed scenery. He doesn’t talk down to children, and his story lines are simple but engaging.Some of his best: Blueberries for Sal
(quite possibly my all-time favorite early children’s book),Lentil, Make Way for Ducklings, One Morning in Maine
Robert McCloskey
Why he’s great: He creates hilarious characters who interact in clever dialogue. His illustrations are beautiful, too.Some of his best: All the Frog and Toad books,Owl at Home, Mouse Soup, Fables
books,Owl at Home, Mouse Soup, Fables
Beatrix Potter
Why she’s great: She remains the best-selling children’s author of all time. Beatrix Potter’s books are chock full of great vocabulary, and her narrative style is heart-warming and funny. Great characters, too. And beautiful illustrations.Some of her best: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Margret and H.A. Rey
Why they’re great: As a married couple with a fascinating story of adventure in their own life, the Reys created one of the most well-loved characters in children’s literature. They’ve created other wonderful characters as well, and a simple voice and universally-appealing plots make most of their works a classic.Some of they’re best: All seven of the original Curious George books(many were written later with the same character, but they weren’t penned by the original authors — and they’re not as good), Katy No-Pocket, Billy’s Picture, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World
E.B. White
(many were written later with the same character, but they weren’t penned by the original authors — and they’re not as good), Katy No-Pocket, Billy’s Picture, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the WorldE.B. White
Why he’s great: He writes wonderful characters, and he has great word choice. His verbosity is descriptive, and his style softens your heart towards the meanest of his characters.Some of his best: Charlotte’s Web
, Stuart Little,The Trumpet of the Swan
Why she’s great: You’re not allowed to have a list of great children’s book authors and not include her. More for the very young crowd, Margaret Wise Brown’s words rhythmically lead the reader on a comforting journey without dumbing down from poor word choice. A classic.Some of her best: Goodnight Moon
, The Runaway Bunny, Seven Little Postmen, Big Red Barn
I grew up in a tall terraced Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married
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