Carl Burger facts for kids

Carl V. Burger (born June 18, 1888 – died December 30, 1967) was an American artist and writer. He is best known for drawing pictures for children's books. Some of his most famous illustrations are in The Incredible Journey, Old Yeller, and Little Rascal. These books are very popular with young readers.

Early Life

Carl Burger was born in Maryville, Tennessee. His father was a banker. Carl went to Maryville College and Stanford University. Later, he transferred to Cornell University. He earned a degree in Architecture from Cornell in 1912.

While at Cornell, Carl was the art editor for student magazines. A famous naturalist named Louis Agassiz Fuertes was his mentor there. Carl also studied art for three years in Boston.

Artistic Career

Before World War I, Carl Burger worked for The Boston Post newspaper. He drew sports and political cartoons. He also created illustrations for the Sunday paper.

He married Margaret Rothery on September 18, 1920. They had one child, Knox Burger. Carl served in the United States Army from 1917 to 1920. He became a Captain. During this time, he started and led a painting school for soldiers in Beaune, France. He also helped create the illustrations for a book about the Inter-Allied Games.

After his military service, Carl Burger became an Art Director. He worked for advertising companies in New York and Philadelphia. During World War II, he was the art director for the American Red Cross.

Carl Burger wrote and illustrated many of his own books. He also illustrated books and magazines for others. Many of his books were about animals. Some examples include All About Fish, All About Dogs, and All About Elephants. He also painted large pictures, called murals, for the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium.

Memberships

Carl Burger was a member of several important groups. These included the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Zoological Society. He lived in Pleasantville, New York, when he passed away in 1967.