Berta and Elmer Hader facts for kids

Berta Hoerner Hader (born August 1, 1890) and Elmer Stanley Hader (born September 7, 1889) were an American couple. They worked together to illustrate over 70 children's books. They also wrote about half of these books themselves.

In 1948, they won the famous Caldecott Medal for their book The Big Snow. This award celebrates the best American picture book for children each year. They also received Caldecott Honor Book awards for Cock-a-doodle-doo in 1940 and The Mighty Hunter in 1944.

About Berta Hader

Berta Hoerner was born in San Pedro, Coahuila, Mexico. Her family moved several times when she was young. They lived in Parras, Mexico, and then Amarillo, Texas. When Berta was five, her father passed away.

Berta loved art and reading from a young age. She won awards for her writing and art. In 1909, her family moved to Seattle, Washington. Berta studied at the University of Washington School of Journalism. She also learned about printing and design at Western Engraving Company.

Later, Berta moved to San Francisco. She continued her art training at the California School of Design. In San Francisco, she became friends with Rose Wilder Lane. Rose was the daughter of the famous writer Laura Ingalls Wilder. Berta also met her future husband, Elmer Hader, in San Francisco.

About Elmer Hader

Elmer Hader was born in Pajaro, California. He grew up mostly in San Francisco. When he was 16, he helped after the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. He worked as a firefighter to earn money for art school.

Elmer studied at the California School of Design from 1907 to 1910. He was also very talented in theatre. He performed vaudeville routines, like "Painting a Minute." He even considered becoming a full-time performer. But he decided to stick with his dream of being an artist.

He returned to San Francisco and set up an art studio. In 1918, Elmer joined the U.S. Army. He went to France as part of the Camouflage Corps.

Life Together

Berta and Elmer met in San Francisco. They were both part of a group of artists. They became good friends. After Elmer finished his army service in 1919, he moved to New York. Berta was already working there.

They got married in July 1919. They soon moved to Grand View-on-Hudson, New York. This small town was on the Hudson River. They spent the rest of their lives there. Their home was very special. They built much of it themselves over 20 years. Elmer even dug out the stones for the house!

The Haders had a son named Hamilton. Sadly, he passed away when he was very young. After this difficult time, they continued their art careers. They created artwork for many magazines.

Their Amazing Career

Berta and Elmer used their artistic skills for many popular magazines. They created children's sections for Good Housekeeping and McCall's. They often drew children in different national costumes.

In 1926, a new rule stopped magazines from sending cut-out sections. So, the Haders changed their focus. They signed a contract with MacMillan to create children's books. They started writing the stories too.

From 1927 to 1931, they were incredibly busy. They illustrated, wrote, and produced 34 books! They continued to work hard for many years. They created about 70 more books before retiring in 1964.

Their book Billy Butter (1936) was very popular. The famous writer John Steinbeck was so impressed. He asked Elmer Hader to design the cover for his book The Grapes of Wrath. Elmer also designed covers for two other Steinbeck books.

Champions of Nature

The Haders cared deeply about nature and animals. They also believed in peace. These ideas often appeared in their books. Titles like The Runaways (1956) showed their love for animals.

Berta also became a community activist. In the 1950s, she fought to move the planned Tappan Zee Bridge. She did not want it built through her village. Even though some people said she was "blocking progress," she succeeded. The bridge was built several kilometers north, where it stands today.

Berta and Elmer loved to travel. They visited Mexico, Jamaica, and the northeastern United States. Their travels inspired many of their books. Some examples are The Story of Pancho and the Bull with the Crooked Tail (1942) and Jamaica Johnny (1943).

Elmer passed away on his 84th birthday in 1973. Berta stayed in their home until shortly before she died in 1976, at age 85.

Books They Illustrated

• Baby Bear, by Hamilton Williamson, 1930
• Banana Tree, by Phillis Garrard, 1938
• Timothy Has Ideas, by Miriam E. Mason, 1943