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.
Dr. Seuss, writer
Mar. 2, 1904-Sept. 24, 1991
The Boy on Fairfield Street by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (Random House, 2004)
From a childhood spent dreaming and doodling to budding artist at 22, this biography of the famous children’s writer shows what made Seuss tick.
Dr. Seuss’ Seussville is maintained by his publisher, Random House and has a biography of Seuss as well as cool games for kids.
by Anne on February 10, 2010
Alice Walker, writer
Feb. 8, 1944-
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
Born to sharecroppers in Georgia, Alice Walker worked hard in school. She was an active participant in the civil rights movement and is an accomplished poet and novelist. The Color Purple is her most well-known work.
Links to information about Walker can be found at a Cuny.edu site.
by Anne on February 7, 2010
Charles Dickens, author
Feb. 7, 1812-June 9, 1870
Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations by Diane Stanley (HarperCollins, 1993)
Fans of A Christmas Carol will be especially interested in this biography of Dickens, who rose above his troubled childhood but never forgot it.
The New York Public Library hosts an online seminar by Kenneth Benson called Charles Dickens: The Life of the Author in six sessions.
by Anne on February 7, 2010
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author
Feb. 7, 1867-Feb. 10, 1957
Laura Ingalls Wilder by Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1997)
The story of the pioneer girl turned author is featured in this simple biography about the creator of the Little House books.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum contains Wilder’s history, museum information and a link just for kids.
