Dallas Clayton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dallas Clayton
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| Occupation | Illustrator, writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Notable works | An Awesome Book! |
| Children | 1 |
Dallas Clayton is an American author and illustrator. He is well known for writing and drawing children's books, especially his Awesome Book series.
Contents
How He Started Writing
Dallas Clayton began his writing journey by making small, self-published magazines called zines. He would share these short stories in art galleries, music places, and even on street corners across the United States.
His Books and Projects
An Awesome Book!
After his son was born in 2003, Dallas Clayton wrote and drew An Awesome Book!. This 64-page picture book is all about "dreaming big." Many big publishers first said no to his book. So, Clayton decided to publish An Awesome Book! himself. He put the book online for free. He also found new ways to share it. Because of this, the book has sold over 50,000 copies.
Working with Spike Jonze
In 2009, Clayton became the editor-in-chief for We Love You So. This art magazine was started by director Spike Jonze. The magazine was made to go along with Jonze's movie Where the Wild Things Are. This movie was based on the famous children's book.
More Awesome Books
Clayton released his next book, An Awesome Book of Thanks! in 2010. This book came out through Amazon.com's new publishing group, AmazonEncore. Just like his first book, An Awesome Book of Thanks! shared an important message. This time, it was about how important it is to be thankful.
In 2011, Dallas Clayton signed a deal to publish three books with HarperCollins. He also signed a deal for two books with Candlewick Press. An Awesome Book! was re-released by HarperCollins in March 2012. Also in 2012, he released Awesome Book of Love! through HarperCollins.
Clayton also released a book of children's poems in 2012. It was called Make Magic! Do Good! and was published by Candlewick Press. In 2013, he released It's Never Too Late. This was a "children's book for adults."
His books released in 2014 included A is for Awesome and Lily the Unicorn.
Film Work
In 2016, Dallas Clayton wrote an early script for a movie based on Harold and the Purple Crayon. This film was planned for Sony Pictures Animation, but it was later canceled.
Clayton also wrote the script for the musical movie Music. He wrote it with Australian singer-songwriter Sia. The movie came out in February 2021.
About His Life
Dallas Clayton has one son named Audio Science. His son was born on May 29, 2003. Audio Science's mother is actress Shannyn Sossamon.
In 2009, Clayton started a non-profit group called the Awesome World Foundation. His goal was to travel the world and read to kids. He wanted to help more children learn to read. The foundation has given books to kids all over the world. It also supports other groups that help children.
