James Marshall (author) facts for kids
James Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992) was an American illustrator and writer of children's books. He is most famous for his George and Martha series of picture books, which came out between 1972 and 1988. He usually illustrated books as James Marshall. When he wrote the stories and drew the pictures himself, he sometimes used the name Edward Marshall. In 2007, he was given the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for his important and lasting contributions to children's literature in America.
About James Marshall
James Marshall was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1942. He grew up on his family's farm. His father worked on the railroad, and his mother sang in the church choir. Later, his family moved to Beaumont, Texas.
Marshall once said he didn't like Beaumont. He studied the viola and won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston. However, he injured his hand, which ended his music career. He then went to college in Texas and later to Southern Connecticut State University. He earned degrees in French and history. He lived in New York City and Mansfield Hollow, Connecticut. He passed away at the age of 50.
His Creative Journey
It is said that James Marshall found his passion for creating children's books in 1971. He was relaxing in a hammock and drawing. His mother was watching a movie called Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The main characters in that movie, George and Martha, later became his famous hippopotamus characters.
Marshall continued to create books for children until he died in 1992. In 1999, his beloved characters, George and Martha, even got their own animated TV show.
James Marshall was a friend of another famous children's author, Maurice Sendak. Sendak admired Marshall's unique style. He said Marshall was very original and didn't always get the awards he deserved. Marshall was a runner-up for the Caldecott Medal in 1989 for his illustrations in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Besides George and Martha, James Marshall created many other fun characters. He wrote the Fox series under the name "Edward Marshall." He also illustrated the popular Miss Nelson books and The Stupids series, both written by Harry Allard. He also created the Cut-ups series.
James Marshall was amazing at making readers laugh with simple drawings and not too many words. His characters often had just two small dots for eyes, but they could show so many feelings. Both kids and adults loved his funny and expressive illustrations.
Famous Books by James Marshall
James Marshall wrote and illustrated many books. Here are some of his most well-known works:
- George and Martha series (1972–1988)
- Fox series, like Fox and His Friends and Fox on the Job
- Miss Nelson is Missing! (illustrated for Harry Allard)
- The Stupids Step Out (illustrated for Harry Allard)
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1988)
- The Three Little Pigs (1989)
- Red Riding Hood (1987)
- Hansel and Gretel (1990)
- The Cut-ups series (1984–1992)
