Alan Shalleck facts for kids
Alan J. Shalleck (born November 14, 1929 – died February 6, 2006) was an American writer and producer. He made many TV shows for children. He is best known for his work on the Curious George books and TV shorts from the 1980s.
Early Life and Career
Alan Shalleck studied drama at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. In the 1950s, he started working for CBS. There, he helped produce a children's TV show called Winky Dink and You.
Later, in the early 1960s, he moved to Montreal. He produced a popular teen music and dance show called "Like Young" at CFCF-TV. This show was very successful. After his time at CBS and CFCF-TV, Shalleck worked as a producer for medical education. Then, he started his own company, AJ Shalleck Productions. He made many animated films and TV episodes for kids.
Working with Curious George
In 1977, Alan Shalleck talked to Margret Rey. She was one of the creators of Curious George. He wanted to make a TV series based on the famous monkey. This led to the Curious George TV show in 1980.
Shalleck and Rey wrote over 100 short episodes for the series. They also worked together on many children's books. They even made audiobooks. Sometimes Rey was listed as the author and Shalleck as the editor. Other times, their roles were switched.
Later Life and Legacy
When he retired, Shalleck started a company called "Reading By GRAMPS." He visited elementary schools and bookstores. He read books to children. He wanted to help kids learn to love reading.
Later in his life, he worked part-time as a bookseller. He worked at Borders Books in Boynton Beach, Florida. Alan Shalleck passed away on February 6, 2006. This was just before a new Curious George animated movie came out in theaters.
