Arlene Mosel facts for kids

Arlene Tichy Mosel (born August 27, 1921 – died May 1996) was an American children's librarian. She was also a talented writer who created two award-winning picture books. These books retold old stories in a fresh way. They were illustrated by Blair Lent. Her book Tikki Tikki Tembo won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Blair Lent won the Caldecott Medal for their other book, The Funny Little Woman.

About Arlene Mosel

Arlene Tichy was born on August 27, 1921. Her hometown was Cleveland, Ohio. Her father, Edward J. Tichy, was an engraver. Her mother was Marie Fingulin Tichy.

Arlene loved learning. She went to Ohio Wesleyan University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942. Later, she studied at Western Reserve University. This school is now called Case Western Reserve University. She earned a Master of Science degree in Library Science in 1959. This degree helped her become a librarian.

On December 26, 1942, she married Victor H. Mosel. He was a sales engineer. They had three children together: Nancy, Joanne, and James.

Arlene Mosel worked with books and children for many years. She was an assistant in the children's department. This was at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Later, she became a professor. She taught library science at Case Western Reserve University. She also helped manage children's services. This was at the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Her Famous Books

Arlene Mosel wrote two very popular children's books. Both were illustrated by Blair Lent.

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Her book Tikki Tikki Tembo came out in 1968. It was published by Holt. The story is a retelling of an old tale. It's about a Chinese boy with a very long name. When he falls into a well, his long name causes delays in his rescue.

This book was chosen as an ALA Notable Book. It also won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award in the same year. In 1997, The New York Times listed it as one of the 50 best children's books. Some people think the story might come from a Japanese folktale called Jugemu.

The Funny Little Woman

In 1972, Mosel and Blair Lent worked together again. They created The Funny Little Woman. This book was published by E. P. Dutton. It won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for its amazing illustrations. It was also recognized as an Honor Book. This was for the Globe–Horn Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen International Children's Book Awards.

Later Life

Arlene Mosel passed away in May 1996. She died in Indianapolis.

Images for kids

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  Arlene Mosel