Eric Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Hill
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 7 September 1927 Holloway, London, England |
| Died | 6 June 2014 (aged 86) Templeton, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Children's author, illustrator |
| Nationality | British |
| Notable works | Where's Spot? |
| Children | 2 |
Eric Hill (7 September 1927 – 6 June 2014) was an English author and illustrator of children's picture books. He is best known for creating the famous puppy character named Spot. His books are loved for helping young children learn to read.
About Eric Hill
Eric Hill was born in Holloway, London, England, on 7 September 1927. During World War II, he moved to the countryside for safety. He left school when he was 14 years old.
His first job was as an errand boy in an illustration studio. There, he was encouraged to draw cartoons and comic strips in his free time. Later, he worked as a designer and illustrator for advertising companies.
In 1983, Eric Hill moved with his family to the United States, first to Tucson, Arizona, and then to a ranch in California. He even appeared on the TV show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. On the show, he and Fred Rogers talked about how a Spot book page is made.
Eric Hill was given a special award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008. This award was for his important work in helping children learn to read. He passed away at his home in California on 6 June 2014, at the age of 86. He had two children, Christopher and Jane, with his second wife, Gillian.
Where's Spot? and Beyond
Eric Hill created the first story about a dog named Spot in 1976. He made it especially for his son, Christopher. In this first book, Spot was hiding behind small flaps. Children could lift these flaps to find Spot. This was a new and exciting idea for children's books!
Hill wanted to show that "children have far more intelligence and style than many adults credit them with." He wanted his books to invite children to explore new ideas.
After a friend helped him find a publisher, his first book, Where's Spot?, was published in 1980. It quickly became very popular. Eric Hill then created many more books about Spot and his friends.
His books have sold more than 60 million copies around the world. They have been translated into 60 different languages. The popular stories also led to a series of animated TV shows and many toys and other products.
See also
In Spanish: Eric Hill para niños
