by Anne on March 11, 2010
Wanda Gag, illustrator and author
March 11, 1893-June 27, 1946
Wanda Gag: The Girl Who Lived to Draw by Deborah Kogan Ray (Viking, 2008)
Captivated by drawing from the time she could hold a pencil, Gag honed her skills and although family tragedies waylaid her dreams for a time, eventually she went to art school and became the creator of one of the most beloved children’s books, Millions of Cats.
The Minnesota Historical Society offers biographical notes and additional resources on Gag at its Minnesota Author Biographies Project site.
by Anne on March 10, 2010
Sacagawea, explorer
c. 1787-Dec. 12, 1812 or April 9, 1884
A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David A. Alder, illustrated by Dan Brown (Holiday House, 2001)
A translator and guide on the Lewis and Clark expedition, this Native American woman was an invaluable member of the team.
The PBS special Lewis & Clark: Inside the Corps offers more biographical information on Sacagawea.
Giselle Potter, children’s author and illustrator
20th century-
The Year I Didn’t Go to School by Giselle Potter (Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 2002)
What a year! Traveling around Italy with her family’s theater troupe when she was seven, Potter gives a first-person account of this magical time.
Puppeters of America can link you up with a guild, festival or event in the US and Canada.
Maud Lewis, artist
Mar. 7, 1903-July 30, 1970
Capturing Joy: The Story of Maud Lewis by Jo Ellen Bogart, illustrated by Mark Lang (Tundra Books, 2002)
Lewis, a Canadian artist who had physical disabilities, painted amazing images in a primitive folk art style. Five-star inspirational.
To learn more about this gifted artist, visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
Michelangelo, artist
Mar. 6, 1475-Feb. 18, 1564
Michelangelo by Diane Stanley (HarperTrophy reprint, 2003)
Michelangelo’s life and art, including the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel are at the forefront of this detailed picture book biography about him.
Click over to the WebMuseum, Paris for more info on Michelangelo.
