David Wisniewski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Wisniewski
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| Born | March 21, 1953 England |
| Died | September 11, 2002 (aged 49) Alexandria, Virginia |
| Years active | 1985–2002 |
| Notable works | Golem |
| Notable awards | Caldecott Medal (1997), for Golem |
| Spouse |
Donna Harris
(m. 1976) |
| Children | Ariana, Alexander |
David R. Wisniewski (born March 21, 1953, in England – died September 11, 2002, in Alexandria, Virginia) was an American writer and illustrator. He was best known for creating amazing children's books. He used a special technique called "cut-paper" illustration, where he cut out many layers of paper to make his pictures.
Contents
David Wisniewski's Early Life
David Wisniewski was born in England. His father was a master sergeant in the Air Force there. As a child, David and his family moved a lot. They lived in different places across Europe and America. This was because of his father's military postings.
Discovering a Love for Art
David's mother taught him to draw when he was in first grade. This sparked his love for reading and art. He started by reading Marvel Comics. Then he moved on to Classics Illustrated books.
From College to Circus Life
David went to the University of Maryland, College Park. However, he could only afford one semester. So, he left college and joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1973. He graduated after two months of training.
For several years, David worked as a clown. He performed with both Ringling and Circus Vargas.
The World of Puppets
After his circus days, David moved to Maryland. In 1975, he was hired by Donna Harris to join the Prince George's Country Puppet Theatre. Six months later, in 1976, David and Donna got married.
In 1980, they started their own puppet company. It was first called the Clarion Puppet Theatre. Later, it became the Clarion Shadow Theatre. David learned to use an X-Acto knife. He used it to cut out detailed shadow puppets and background scenery. The Clarion Shadow Theatre performed in schools, theaters, and at the Smithsonian. In 1990, they even performed Peter and the Wolf at the Kennedy Center.
David Wisniewski's Writing and Illustrating Career
After his children were born, touring with the puppet theater became difficult. So, David decided to become a full-time illustrator. He worked as a freelance artist for newspapers and magazines.
Creating His First Book
In 1987, David met an editor named Dilys Evans. She looked at his artwork. She then gave him names of publishers to contact. David waited until two weeks before his first meeting in New York. That's when he got the idea for his first children's book. It was called The Warrior and the Wise Man.
He sold this book to the first publisher he met, Lothrop. They published it in 1989. This was four years after he started working as an illustrator.
Developing a Unique Style
David developed his special "cut-paper" style over time. He added many layers of paper. This gave his characters and scenes depth and detail. For one book, he estimated he made 800 to 1,000 cuts for just 16 pictures!
After his book Golem, David wanted to create lighter stories. He felt he didn't have another big historical story in him for a while. His first funny book ideas were not accepted by one publisher. So, he went back to Lothrop. They published The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups in 1998.
Between 1980 and 2002, David toured about 100 schools each year. He would perform and later read from his books.
Awards and Recognition
David Wisniewski's book Golem won a very important award. It received the 1997 Caldecott Medal. This medal is given to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children.
In his acceptance speech, David shared how he saw himself. He said, "I am a self-taught artist and writer. I depend on instincts from years of circus and puppet performance. These instincts guide a story's structure and look."
Published Books
- Elfwyn's Saga (1990)
- Golem (1996)
- Rain Player (1991)
- The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups (1998)
- Sumo Mouse (2002)
- Sundiata: Lion King of Mali (1992)
- Tough Cookie (1999)
- The Warrior and the Wise Man (1989)
- The Wave of the Sea Wolf (1994)
- Worlds of Shadow: Teaching with Shadow Puppetry (1996) (with Donna Wisniewski)
