Aliki Brandenberg facts for kids

Aliki Liacouras Brandenberg, known by her pen name Aliki, is an American author and illustrator. She is famous for writing and drawing many books for children. She was born on September 3, 1929.

Growing Up

Aliki was born in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Her parents, James and Stella Liacouras, were from Greece. They lived in Philadelphia and taught Aliki to speak Greek first.

Aliki loved to draw from a very young age. Her parents saw her talent and signed her up for art classes. She also learned to play the piano.

Her Career

After finishing school at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art in 1951, Aliki worked for a short time. She helped create displays for a company in New York. Later, she moved back to Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia, Aliki worked as a freelance artist. This means she created art for different companies, like for advertising. She also taught art classes and painted large pictures called murals. She even started her own greeting card company!

Becoming an Author

In 1956, Aliki wanted to learn more about her Greek background. She traveled around Europe. On her trip, she met Franz Brandenberg, and they got married a year later.

They moved to Franz's home country, Switzerland. There, Aliki wrote her very first book. It was called The Story of William Tell, about a famous Swiss archer. The book came out in 1960 and was very popular.

Aliki and Franz then moved to New York. This is where Aliki truly began her long career. She became a well-known illustrator and author of children's books.

What She Writes About

Aliki has written and illustrated many books herself. She has also drawn pictures for books written by other authors, including her husband Franz.

Her work often explores history and science. Her non-fiction books cover many topics. These include dinosaurs, mammoths, how books are made, Shakespeare, and evolution.

Aliki's storybooks often talk about family and friendship. Her Greek heritage is also a common theme in her books.

Her Family Life

In 1977, Aliki and Franz moved to London, England. After 35 years there, they moved back to New York City. Aliki still writes books for children today.

She has two children, Jason and Alexa. Her daughter, Alexa, is also a children's book author and illustrator. Alexa has created several books, like I am Me!

Awards

In 1991, Aliki received an important honor. She won the Pennsylvania School Librarians' Association Award.