Judith Byron Schachner facts for kids

Judith Byron "Judy" Schachner (born August 20, 1951) is an American author and artist who creates books for children. She is most famous for her popular Skippyjon Jones book series. Judy Schachner lives in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bob, and their pets.

Judy Schachner's Early Life

Judy Schachner grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of three children, with two older brothers named Kevin and Ted. From a young age, Judy loved to draw. Drawing was a special way for her to express herself and deal with feeling shy.

Even though she found some school subjects like math and science challenging, her teachers and friends noticed her amazing artistic talent. She had a very active imagination and spent a lot of time drawing and dreaming. After high school, she went to the Massachusetts College of Art. In 1973, she earned a degree in illustration, which is the art of creating pictures for books.

Her Journey to Becoming an Author

After college, Judy Schachner first worked designing cards for Hallmark. However, she soon realized this wasn't what she truly wanted to do. Later, she married her husband, Bob, and became a mother to two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth and Emma Rose. Being a mom brought her much joy and inspired her greatly.

Reading books to her daughters encouraged Judy to start drawing and writing again. She began building her portfolio, which is a collection of her best artwork. During this time, she met author Donna Jo Napoli. Donna asked Judy to illustrate her children's book, "The Prince of the Pond." This was a big step for Judy into the world of publishing.

When she first met with a book editor, she bravely said she was a writer, even though she had mostly focused on illustrations. This led to her first book, "Willy and May," being published. Since then, she has created many well-known books.

Judy has a special studio in her home where she works. She surrounds herself with inspiring items like toys and textiles. She also loves listening to music, especially songs composed by her daughter Sarah. Many of her book characters are inspired by people and pets in her own life. For example, the book "Yo, Vikings!" is based on a true story about her daughters.

The Skippyjon Jones Series

Judy Schachner is best known for her Skippyjon Jones book series. The main character, Skippyjon Jones, is a Siamese cat who believes he is a chihuahua. This funny character was inspired by Judy's own cat and her brothers. The books are loved by many young readers for their playful stories and illustrations.

Judy continues to write and illustrate new books. She also visits schools and libraries to share her experiences and inspire young artists and readers.

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 She Illustrated

• 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 received the E. B. White Read Aloud Book Award. It also won The State Children’s Choice Awards in several states, including Indiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Washington. These awards show how much children and educators love her work.