Chris Soentpiet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Soentpiet
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| Born | Han Kun Seop January 3, 1970 Seoul, South Korea |
| Occupation | Writer, illustrator, artist |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Pratt Institute |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Notable works | Coolies (2001) |
| Spouse | Yin (m. 1970) |
Chris K. Soentpiet (born January 3, 1970) is a talented Korean American artist. He is famous for illustrating and writing children's books. Chris was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1970.
When he was 8 years old, Chris moved to Hawaii. He lived there with his new adoptive family. A year later, his family moved again to Portland, Oregon. Today, Chris Soentpiet lives and works in New York City.
Chris's first book, Around Town, came out in 1994. He both wrote and illustrated this picture book. Since then, Chris has become a very well-known illustrator. His books have won many important awards. These include the Parents' Choice Gold Award and the NAACP Image Award. He also visits schools often to share his work.
For his book Peacebound Trains, Chris did a lot of research. This book was written by Haemi Balgassi. To learn more, Chris traveled back to South Korea. It was his first visit since he was adopted in 1978. In 1996, Chris won a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. This was for his amazing paintings in Peacebound Trains. The United States Department of Defense even published the book online. They also added a special guide for teachers. Peacebound Trains is the only book to get this special honor.
Chris often shares that Ted Lewin and Betsy Lewin encouraged him. They helped him decide to become a children's book illustrator.
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Chris Soentpiet's Amazing Awards
Chris Soentpiet's books have won many awards. These awards show how much people love his art and stories. Here are some of the special honors his books have received.
Junior Library Guild Selections
Three of the books Chris illustrated were chosen by the Junior Library Guild. This means they are highly recommended for young readers.
- So Far from the Sea (1998)
- Coolies (2001)
- Brothers (2007)
Notable Children's Books
The Association for Library Service to Children also picked three of his books. They named them "Notable Children's Books."
- More Than Anything Else (1996)
- Molly Bannaky (2000)
- Coolies (2002)
In 1995, The Last Dragon by Susan Miho Nunes was honored. The Smithsonian magazine named it a Notable Book for Children.
Other Special Honors
Chris Soentpiet's books have also received many other important awards. These awards come from different groups and magazines.
- 1995, 1996: American Bookseller Pick of the List
- 1995, 1997: Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
- 1996: Black History Top 25 Pick for Youth
- 1996: Chicago Tribune Top 10 Children Books
- 1996, 2000, 2004: The International Reading Award Teachers' Choice Award
- 1996, 1997: American Bookseller Pick of the List
- 1998: International Reading Award Notable Book for a Global Society
- 1998: NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in Field of Social Studies
- 1998: Parents Best Children's Book of the Year
- 2000: Texas Bluebonnet Award-Nominee
- 2001: Maryland Children's Book Award-Nominee
- 2001: Nest Literary Classics
- 2003: Child Best Book of the Year
- 2004: Children's Book Sense 76 Pick
- 2005: Kansas State Reading Circle
- 2006-2007: Master Reading List, Volunteer State Book Award
- NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
- San Francisco Chronicles Best Book List
- Peggy Sharp, Ed.D Pick 2000
- North Carolina Children's Book Award
- New York Public Library Top 100 Titles
Awards for Specific Books
Here is a table showing some of the awards Chris Soentpiet's books have won.
| Year | Title | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | More than Anything Else | ILA Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award | Winner | |
| 1999 | Molly Bannaky | Jane Addams Children's Book Award | Winner | |
| 1999 | FOCAL Award Best Book | Winner | ||
| 2000 | Golden Kite Award | Honor | ||
| 2000 | Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award | Winner | ||
| 2001 | Coolies | Parents' Choice Award | Winner | |
| 2001-03 | Coolies | Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature: Picture Book | Honor | |
| 2006-07 | Brothers | Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature: Picture Book | Honor | |
| 2015 | Amazing Places | Parents' Choice Award for Poetry | Winner |
Learn More About Chris Soentpiet
You can find out more about Chris Soentpiet and his work through these links:
- Newsday: "From Dark to Light: An artist paints a new life through his books"
- New York Daily News: "Children's Book Artist is a Medal Winner"
- Korean Quarterly: "Evoking History with Art"
