Diane Goode facts for kids

Diane Goode, born on January 14, 1949, is a talented American author and artist who creates books for children. She has written many children's books and drawn pictures for more than 60 others! Some of her most famous works include the New York Times bestsellers Founding Mothers and Ladies of Liberty. She also illustrated When I Was Young in the Mountains (1982), which won a special award called the Caldecott Honor Book. Diane Goode lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Early Life and Education

Diane Goode's mother was from France. She used to tell Diane traditional children's stories from memory when Diane was little. Diane loved to read as a child. She especially enjoyed books by Jane Austen and the classic story Wuthering Heights.

For her college education, Diane Goode studied Fine Arts at Queens College. This helped her develop her artistic skills.

Diane Goode's Career

Before Diane Goode became a full-time illustrator, she worked for a year as a substitute teacher in New York City. Her first book with her illustrations was The Little Pieces of the West Wind, published in 1978. Later, she wrote her very first book, called I Hear a Noise.

When reviewing her drawings in Thanksgiving Is Here! (2003), the New York Times newspaper said that Diane Goode's "pen-and-ink drawings spin out like ragtime." This means her drawings are lively and detailed, showing every little movement or sound.

In 1991, Diane Goode created new pictures for a special edition of the classic children's story Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. A few years later, in 1994, she published her own book titled Diane Goode's Book of Scary Stories and Songs.

Diane Goode has also worked with the famous journalist Cokie Roberts on two best-selling books: Founding Mothers (2014) and Ladies of Liberty (2008). These books tell stories about important women in American history.

Besides creating books, Diane Goode has also taught others about book illustration. She shared her knowledge at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Artistic Style and Process

Diane Goode creates all her illustrations by hand. She does not use computers for her artwork. She has three different studios in her home, and she uses each one for different parts of her projects.

Her artistic process changes depending on the book she is working on. For example, when she illustrated Founding Mothers, she used heavy watercolor paper. She first drew an outline with sepia ink. Then, she added colors using pastels, applying them with small, soft sponges and a tiny brush.

For the book Ninja Baby, she used watercolors on rough paper. In her illustrations for The Best Mother, she combined pen drawings with watercolor paints. This shows how versatile she is with different art materials.

Awards and Recognition

Diane Goode has received the Caldecott Honor. This is a very important award given to artists who create outstanding picture books for children.

Personal Life

Diane Goode is married. She has a son and two dogs.