Jan Wahl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jan Wahl
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Jan Boyer Wahl
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| Born |
Jan Boyer Wahl
April 1, 1931 |
| Died | January 29, 2019 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Children's Literature Author/Film Historian |
Jan Boyer Wahl (born April 1, 1931 – died January 29, 2019) was an American author who wrote many books for children. He wrote over 120 books! He was most famous for his award-winning children's stories like Pleasant Fieldmouse, The Furious Flycycle, and Humphrey's Bear. Sometimes, Jan Wahl would even joke and call himself "Dr. Mouse." A young fan gave him that fun nickname.
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About Jan Wahl's Life
Jan (pronounced "Yahn") Wahl was born in Columbus, Ohio. His father was a doctor, and he had five brothers. Jan Wahl once shared that his brother Phil's adventures inspired a character in the movie Lost In Translation. Phil Wahl used to manage a famous golf club. Another one of Jan's brothers, Robert C. Wahl, also wrote novels and children's books.
Jan's Childhood and Education
When Jan was a child, he played the piano on a radio show called The Kiddies Karnival. A famous singer named Teresa Brewer was also on the show. He even performed with the amazing magician Harry Blackstone Sr. at a theater.
Jan went to Cornell University and earned a degree in 1953. He also studied in Denmark and at the University of Michigan. During his studies, he wrote plays and short stories. One of his short stories, Seven Old Maids, won an award.
After living in Europe, New York City, and Mexico, Jan Wahl settled in Toledo, Ohio. He lived there until he passed away in 2019.
Jan Wahl's Amazing Career
Jan Wahl started writing and publishing children's books in 1964. He quickly became successful with books like Pleasant Fieldmouse and Cabbage Moon. Many famous artists drew pictures for his books, including Edward Gorey, Steven Kellogg, Mercer Mayer, Norman Rockwell, and Maurice Sendak.
He also wrote longer story books, such as How The Children Stopped The Wars. Jan Wahl became known for his fun and inspiring stories. His books often had interesting characters and covered many different topics. He also gave many talks about his books and about writing.
Later Works and Other Adventures
One of his last books was Hedy and Her Amazing Invention (2019). This book tells the story of actress Hedy Lamarr, who helped invent a special radio technology.
Jan Wahl had many other interesting experiences. He worked with a famous filmmaker named Carl Theodor Dreyer on a movie. He also worked as a personal secretary for the writer Karen Blixen. He even became friends with the actress Louise Brooks. Some of their letters were put into a book called Dear Stinkpot: Letters from Louise Brooks.
While in Mexico, he helped with the script for a movie called The Wrath of God. Later, he was also an early helper for the TV show Fraggle Rock.
Film History Expert
Jan Wahl was also well-known as a film historian. He collected many old films and items related to movie history. He gave talks and presentations about films for many years.
In 1996, Bowling Green State University gave him an honorary degree. This was to celebrate his work in children's literature and film history. He also gave many introductory talks for a classic film series at the university. He often showed films from his own collection.
Jan Wahl's Published Books
Jan Wahl wrote a huge number of books! Many of his books have been printed again and again. Some have even been translated into many languages like Chinese, French, German, and Japanese. Here are some of his popular books and series.
Popular Picture Books
- The Beast Book (1964)
- Cabbage Moon (1965)
- Pocahontas In London (1967)
- Cobweb Castle (1968)
- The Norman Rockwell Storybook (1969)
- The Animals' Peace Day (1970)
- Abe Lincoln's Beard (1971)
- Margaret's Birthday (1971)
- Humphrey's Bear (1988)
- My Cat Ginger (1990)
- Little Eight John (1992)
- The Fieldmouse and the Dinosaur Named Sue (2000)
- Elf Night (2002)
Book Series for Kids
Jan Wahl also wrote several popular book series:
Pleasant Fieldmouse Series
- Pleasant Fieldmouse (1964)
- The Six Voyages of Pleasant Fieldmouse (1971)
- Pleasant Fieldmouse's Halloween Party (1974)
Muffletumps Series
- The Muffletumps: The Story of Four Dolls (1966)
- The Muffletump Storybook (1975)
Doctor Rabbit Series
- Doctor Rabbit (1970)
- Doctor Rabbit's Foundling (1977)
Melvin Spitznagle Series
- The Furious Flycycle (1968)
- S.O.S. Bobomobile (1973)
Early Reader and Chapter Books
- How the Children Stopped the Wars (1969)
- The Screeching Door, or, What Happened At The Elephant Hotel (1979)
- Hedy and Her Amazing Invention (2019)
Awards Jan Wahl Won
Jan Wahl received many awards for his wonderful books:
- Young Critic's Award for Pocahontas in London (1969)
- Ohioana Book Award for The Norman Rockwell Storybook (1970)
- Parents' Choice Literary Award for Tiger Watch (1987)
- Ohioana Book Award for Humphrey's Bear (1987)
- Redbook Award for Humphrey's Bear (1987)
- Christopher Medal for Humphrey's Bear (1988)
- Coretta Scott King Book Award: Illustrator Honor for Little Eight John (1993)
