James Stevenson (illustrator) facts for kids

James Stevenson (born July 11, 1929 – died February 17, 2017) was an amazing American artist and writer. He created more than 100 books for kids! He was also a famous cartoonist and illustrator, meaning he drew funny pictures and made drawings for stories. His cartoons were often seen in a well-known magazine called The New Yorker. James Stevenson had a special drawing style, almost like a comic book, which made his art easy to spot. Some of his books, like What's Under My Bed, were even shown on the Reading Rainbow TV show, which helped kids learn to love reading.

James Stevenson's Life Story

James Stevenson was born in New York City. He went to Yale University, a famous school, where he worked as an editor for the campus humor magazine called The Yale Record.

He started drawing cartoons for The New Yorker magazine on March 10, 1956. This was a big deal because The New Yorker is known for its clever cartoons.

James Stevenson wrote and drew his very first book, Walker, the Witch, and the Striped Flying Saucer, in 1969. Before that, he had already drawn pictures for another children's book called If I Owned a Candy Factory in 1968. What's cool is that this earlier book was actually written by his son, James Walker Stevenson, when his son was only eight years old!

Awesome Awards and Books

James Stevenson's books won many cool awards over the years. These awards show how much people loved his stories and drawings. Here are some of the awards his books received:

• Could Be Worse! (1977) - This book was named an "Outstanding Children's Book of the Year" by The New York Times. It was also called one of the "Best Books for Spring" by School Library Journal.
• The Sea View Hotel (1978) - This book was recognized as an ALA Notable Book.
• Monty (1979) - School Library Journal picked this as one of its "Best Books for Spring".
• Fast Friends: Two Stories (1979) - This book also earned the ALA's Notable Book award.
• The Worst Person in the World (1979) - This one won the Children's Choice Award from the International Reading Association.
• Howard (1980) - This book was chosen as a "Best Illustrated Book" and an "Outstanding Book" by The New York Times.
• That Terrible Halloween Night (1980) - It received the ALA's Notable Book award and the Children's Choice Award.
• The Wish Card Ran Out! (1981) - School Library Journal listed this as one of the Best Books of 1981.
• The Night after Christmas (1982) - This book won the Children's Choice Award and was on the Boston Globe/Horn Book honor list.
• We Can't Sleep (1982) - This book was honored with a Christopher Award.
• Oliver, Clarence, and Violet (1982) - This book won a Parents' Choice Award.
• What's Under My Bed? (1983) - This book was on the Boston Globe/Horn Book honor list, got the ALA's Notable Book award, and was one of School Library Journal's Best Books of 1983.
• Grandpa's Great City Tour: An Alphabet Book (1982) - This book won the Garden State Children's Book Award from the New Jersey Library Association.
• Higher on the Door (1987) - This book received a Parents' Choice award and a Redbook award.
• Georgia Music (1987) - This book was on the Boston Globe/Horn Book honor list.
• Granddaddy's Place (1987) - This book won the Parents' Choice Picture Book award.
• The Supreme Souvenir Factory (1989) - This book won the Children's Choice Award.
• Oh No, It's Waylon's Birthday! (1990) - This book also won the Children's Choice Award.
• Something Big Has Been Here (1992) - This book received the Kentucky Bluegrass Award.
• Don't You Know There's a War On? (1992) - This book won the Parents' Choice Picture Book award.