Charlotte Zolotow facts for kids

Charlotte Zolotow was an amazing American writer, poet, and editor. She created many wonderful books for children. Born Charlotte Gertrude Shapiro on June 26, 1915, she lived until November 19, 2013. She wrote around 70 picture books! Charlotte also helped many other famous writers publish their books. Some of these writers include Paul Fleischman, Paul Zindel, and Mary Rodgers.

About Charlotte Zolotow

Early Life and Education

Charlotte Shapiro was born in Norfolk, Virginia. She loved writing from a young age. From 1933 to 1936, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her teacher was Helen C. White.

After college, Charlotte moved to New York City. She started working at Harper & Bros. This company is now known as HarperCollins. She began as a secretary for Ursula Nordstrom, who was the children's books editor.

Family Life

Charlotte married Maurice Zolotow in 1938. They later divorced in 1969. They had two children. Their daughter, Ellen, grew up to be a writer named Crescent Dragonwagon. Their son, Steven, became a famous poker player known as Steve Zolotow. Charlotte lived in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, for many years. She passed away there at the age of 98.

Charlotte's Work as a Writer and Editor

Charlotte Zolotow's books were published by over 20 different companies. She was not only a writer but also a very important editor. Later, she became a publisher at Harper & Row. This company was called Harper & Brothers when she first started.

Her Books and Poems

Charlotte wrote many popular picture books. She also wrote poems. For example, her poem "Missing You" is from her book River Winding. This poem can also be found in a collection called Best Friends. Another poem, "People," from All That Sunlight, is in the book More Surprises. Both of these poem collections are part of the "A Charlotte Zolotow Book" series.

Charlotte also contributed a story called Enemies to The Big Book for Peace. This book featured stories and art from many well-known authors and illustrators. These included Lloyd Alexander and Steven Kellogg.

When the Wind Stops

One of Charlotte's most famous books is When the Wind Stops. It's a picture book that was first published in 1962. It had illustrations by Joe Lasker. Later, it was re-illustrated by Howard Knotts in 1975. A revised edition came out in 1995 with new art by Stefano Vitale.

In 2014, this book was recognized for its lasting value. The Children's Literature Association named the 1995 edition a runner-up for the Phoenix Picture Book Award. This award celebrates picture books that have stood the test of time. It looks at how well the pictures and words work together.

The Charlotte Zolotow Award

Charlotte's impact on children's literature was so great that an award was created in her honor. In 1998, the Cooperative Children's Book Center at UW Madison School of Education started the Charlotte Zolotow Award. This award is given every year. It honors the author of the best picture book text published in the United States during the previous year. It's different from the American Library Association Caldecott Medal, which is given to the illustrator of a children's picture book.

Selected Books by Charlotte Zolotow

Charlotte wrote many picture books. Some of her books were updated over time. Several were even illustrated by different artists more than once. Here are some of her well-known titles:

• The Park Book, illustrated by H. A. Rey (1944)
• The Storm Book, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham (1952)
• Do You Know What I'll Do?, illustrated by Garth Williams (1958)
• Over and Over, illustrated by Garth Williams (1957)
• The Bunny Who Found Easter, illustrated by Betty Peterson (1959)
• When the Wind Stops, illustrated by Joe Lasker (1962)
• Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (1963)
• William's Doll, illustrated by William Pène du Bois (1972)
• My Grandson Lew, illustrated by William Pène du Bois (1974)
• I Know a Lady, illustrated by James Stevenson (1984)
• Snippets: A Gathering of Poems, Pictures, and Possibilities, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (1993)