Ed Emberley facts for kids

Edward Randolph Emberley (born October 19, 1931) is an American artist and illustrator. He is famous for creating many wonderful children's picture books.

About Edward Emberley

Edward Emberley was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on October 19, 1931. He loved art and studied it at the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston. This school is now called the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He earned a special degree in painting and illustration there. He also studied at the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 1955, Emberley married Barbara. She was a librarian and a writer. They have two children, Rebecca and Michael. Michael Emberley also became an illustrator, just like his dad. Rebecca is also a children's book author and illustrator. The Emberley family lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Edward Emberley's Books and Art

Edward Emberley is best known for his children's books. He is especially famous for his books that teach kids how to draw. Emberley truly believes that anyone can learn to draw!

His drawing books are special because they use clear, step-by-step instructions. They use simple numbers, letters, and shapes. This makes it easy for young children to follow along. For example, his book Ed Emberley's A.B.C. shows how to draw something for each letter of the alphabet.

Emberley has illustrated or helped create over 50 books. Many of these were first published between the 1960s and 1980s. Today, many adults who grew up with his books are buying them for their own children. His most recent book, The Red Hen, came out on October 26, 2010. Like his book Chicken Little (2009), it was a team effort with his daughter, Rebecca Emberley.

Awards and Honors

Edward Emberley has won several important awards for his work. His very first book, The Wing on a Flea (1961), was named an ALA Notable Book. It also made the New York Times list of best-illustrated books that year.

In 1967, he was the runner-up for the Caldecott Medal. This award was for his illustrations in One Wide River to Cross, which his wife Barbara wrote. The next year, he won the Caldecott Medal for another book with Barbara, called Drummer Hoff. The Caldecott Medal is a very important award given each year by children's librarians. It honors the most outstanding American picture book for children. Drummer Hoff also received the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.

Selected Works