Jim Benton facts for kids

This is about the American illustrator and writer. For the American football player, see Jim Benton (American football)

Jim K. Benton (born October 31, 1960) is a famous American illustrator and writer. He is known for creating many popular characters and book series. Some of his most famous creations include Dear Dumb Diary and the very popular character, It's Happy Bunny.

Jim Benton's Early Life and School

Jim Benton grew up in Birmingham, Michigan. He finished high school at Seaholm High School in 1978. After that, he went to Western Michigan University to study fine arts. This is where he learned many of the skills he uses today.

Jim Benton's Creative Career

Jim Benton started his career in a shirt shop. He began designing his own characters to put on T-shirts. At the same time, he also drew pictures for magazines and newspapers. His unique style quickly became popular. People magazine even called him "one of the most visible cartoonists in America."

From Greeting Cards to Animated Shows

Benton also created greeting cards, which are cards you send to people for special occasions. He worked a lot in the magazine and book publishing world. In 1998, some of his characters, called SpyDogs, became an animated TV show. The show was named The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs and it aired on Fox Kids.

The Rise of It's Happy Bunny

One of Jim Benton's biggest successes is It's Happy Bunny. He first created this character in the mid-1990s. However, it became super popular when he started licensing it in 2002. This meant that other companies could put Happy Bunny on their products, like clothes and school supplies. This made the character known all over the world.

Jim Benton still lives in Birmingham, Michigan, where he has his own studio. He is married and has two children.

Awards and Recognitions

Jim Benton has won many awards for his creative work. These awards show how much people appreciate his books and characters.

• 2004: Gryphon Award honor book for Lunch Walks Among Us.
• 2005: LIMA International Licensing Award for Best Art Brand License for It's Happy Bunny.
• 2006: Eleanor Cameron Award from the Golden Duck Award Committee for The Fran That Time Forgot.
• 2006: LIMA International Licensing Award for Best Character Brand License – Soft Goods for It's Happy Bunny.
• 2007: LIMA International Licensing Award for Best Character Brand License – Hard Goods for It's Happy Bunny.
• 2007: Austin ADDY Awards for his work with Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
  • Silver award for Public Service Campaign.
  • Bronze award for Public Service postcard.
• 2009: Nominated for the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award for Book Illustration for Cherise The Niece.
• 2011: Won the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award for Greeting Cards for It's Happy Bunny.
• 2014: Won the National Parenting Publications Awards GOLD MEDAL for The End (Almost).
• 2015: Nominated for an Eisner Award for Dog Butts and Love. And Stuff Like That. And Cats..