Ben Wicks facts for kids

Ben Wicks, CM (born Alfred Wicks; October 1, 1926 – September 10, 2000) was a British-born Canadian cartoonist, illustrator, journalist, and author. He was known for his simple yet witty drawings that appeared in many newspapers.

Ben Wicks' Early Life and Career

Ben Wicks was born in London, England, on October 1, 1926. He grew up in a family that didn't have much money. During his time in the British Army, he learned to play the saxophone. He even toured Europe with a band.

In 1957, Ben and his wife, Doreen Wicks, moved to Canada. They arrived with only $25. Ben first worked as a milkman in Calgary. Later, he joined the Canadian Army as a musician. While in the army, he started teaching himself how to draw cartoons by reading books.

He found a list of magazines that bought cartoons. His first big success was getting his work published in The Saturday Evening Post.

Becoming a Famous Cartoonist

In 1963, Ben Wicks visited Toronto to explore cartooning jobs. Another cartoonist, Norman Drew, told him that Toronto was a good place for his work. So, Ben moved there and began working for the Toronto Telegram newspaper.

His cartoon, The Outcasts, quickly became popular. It was published in over 50 newspapers, meaning it was "syndicated" across many different places. His drawings were simple but very clever and often made people laugh. They also talked about important topics of the day.

When the Toronto Telegram closed in 1971, his cartoons moved to the Toronto Star. At its most popular, his daily cartoon, now called Wicks, was in 84 Canadian newspapers. It was also published in more than 100 American newspapers.

Ben Wicks on TV and Books

Ben Wicks was a friendly and charming person. He became a popular guest on TV and radio shows. In the 1970s, he even had his own TV show on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

He also drew pictures for the Katie and Orbie children's books. His daughter, Susan, wrote these books. In 1994, the Katie and Orbie books were made into an animated TV series. It was shown on Family Channel in Canada and PBS in the United States.

Other Projects and Legacy

Ben Wicks also collaborated on a board game called "Quick Picks With Ben Wicks." It was similar to the game Pictionary. He even opened a pub (a type of restaurant/bar) in Toronto called The Ben Wicks. Although the pub was sold in 2013, a special blue plaque was placed there to remember him. A large outdoor cartoon by Wicks is also still on display.

Ben Wicks was known for his humanitarian work. He used his drawings to show the struggles of people affected by the Biafran War in Nigeria. He also supported Oxfam, a charity that helps people in need. During the 1984–1985 famine in Ethiopia, he organized "Cartoonists for Africa." This project helped raise money and awareness for those suffering. In his later years, Ben spent a lot of time promoting reading among children.

In 1986, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is a very high honor for Canadians. In 1997, he donated many of his materials to the Ryerson University archives.

Ben Wicks passed away from cancer in 2000 at the age of 73. To honor his memory, the "Ben Wicks Award" was given to young cartoonists from 2001 to 2010. In 2007, his children went to court to get back 2,408 of his old drawings that had been left behind after a move.

Works

• Waiting for the All Clear, Bloomsbury, London, 1990, ISBN: 0-7475-0667-1
• No Time to Wave Goodbye, Stoddart, Toronto, 1988, ISBN: 0-7737-2215-7
• Katie and Orbie Save the Planet, 1991 (as illustrator), ISBN: 1-5501-3322-5, ISBN: 1-5501-3324-1, ISBN: 1-5501-3326-8, ISBN: 1-5501-3328-4
• The Day They Took the Children, Stoddart, Toronto,1989, ISBN: 0-7737-2333-1
• DAWN OF THE PROMISED LAND, The Creation of Israel, Stoddart,1997, ISBN: 0-7737-3050-8