Judith Byron Schachner facts for kids

Judy Schachner, born on August 20, 1951, is an American author and artist who creates books for children. She is famous for writing and illustrating the popular Skippyjon Jones book series. Judy lives in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bob, their dog, and two Siamese cats.

Judy's Early Life

Judy Schachner grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts. Her parents were Edward and Mary Francis Byron. She was the youngest of three children, with two older brothers named Kevin and Ted. Her family worked hard to make ends meet. When Judy was eight years old, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Judy often felt anxiety as a child. Drawing became her special way to deal with these feelings. School was sometimes tough for Judy. She didn't do well in subjects like math and science. Her teachers often said she was very shy. However, everyone noticed her amazing artistic talent. She loved to draw and had a very active imagination. She often dreamed of a better future for herself and her family.

After high school, Judy went to the Massachusetts College of Art. She graduated in 1973 with a degree in illustration. This degree is called a BFA.

Starting Her Career

After college, Judy got a job at Hallmark Cards. She designed many different kinds of cards there. But she didn't find this work very satisfying. She felt discouraged about her career.

Later, Judy married her husband, Bob. They had two daughters named Sarah Elizabeth and Emma Rose. Being a mother gave Judy more free time. She started drawing and writing things she truly loved. She realized how much her daughters inspired her. The books she read to Sarah and Emma encouraged her to work on her art again.

Becoming a Book Creator

While building her art portfolio, Judy met Donna Jo Napoli. Donna asked Judy to illustrate her children's book called “The Prince of the Pond.” Helping Donna with this illustration was a great start for Judy. It helped her get into the world of book illustration and publishing.

When Judy first met an editor, they asked if she was a writer. She said yes, even though she had only been illustrating at that point! Eventually, she met an editor named Lucia Monfried. This meeting helped her get some books ready for publication. Her first book, “Willy and May,” was published. Since then, she has published many other well-known books.

Inspiration and Studio

Judy has a special studio on the second floor of her house. She fills her studio with things that inspire her. These include toys, different fabrics, and even taxidermy. She loves listening to music while she works. Her daughter Sarah's compositions are some of her favorites.

Judy gets a lot of ideas from her own life. Many characters in her books are based on people she knows, like her own children. For example, her book “Yo, Vikings!” is based on a true story about her daughters.

Her most famous book series is Skippyjon Jones. This series is about a Siamese cat who thinks he is a chihuahua. The character of Skippyjon Jones was inspired by Judy's own cat and her brothers, Ted and Kevin. The books sometimes use "mock Spanish," which means they use Spanish words in a playful way. Because of this, the series has received some negative reviews.

Judy continues to write and illustrate books today. She also visits schools and libraries. She gives presentations about her work and encourages students, especially those who might struggle in school.

Judy Schachner's Books

• Skippyjon Jones
• Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House
• Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble
• Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones
• Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice
• Skippyjon Jones Class Action
• Skippyjon Jones Aay Card-Ramba!
• Skippyjon Jones Shape Up
• Skippyjon Jones takes a Dive
• Skippyjon Jones Up, Up and Away
• Skippyjon Jones Up and Down
• Skippyjon Jones and the Treasure Hunt
• Skippyjon Jones Color Crazy
• Douwe Bob
• Yo, Vikings!
• Bits & Pieces
• The Grannyman
• How the Cat Swallowed Thunder
• I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie
• Willy and May
• Mr. Emerson’s Cook
• Oils And Soop

Books Judy Illustrated for Others

• The Prince of the Pond Written by Donna Jo Napoli
• Jimmy the Pickpocket of the Palace Written by Donna Jo Napoli
• Gracie, the Pixie of the Puddle Written by Donna Jo Napoli
• Staying with Grandmother Written by Barbara Baker
• What Shall I Dream? Written by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Awards and Recognition

Judy Schachner's book Skippyjon Jones won the E. B. White Read Aloud Book Award. It also won The State Children’s Choice Awards in several states. These states include Indiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Washington.