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Marla Frazee
Frazee in 2009
Frazee in 2009
Born (1958-01-16) January 16, 1958 (age 67)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation Writer and illustrator
Nationality American
Genre Children's literature
Notable works A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, All the World

Marla Frazee, born on January 16, 1958, is an American writer and artist who creates books for children. She has won three special awards called Caldecott Honors for her amazing picture book illustrations.

Marla Frazee's Early Life and Education

Marla Frazee was born in Los Angeles, California. She later moved to Glendale, California when she was a child. She found her first ideas for stories and drawings in popular children's books. Some of her favorites were Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.

Frazee illustrated her very first book when she was in third grade. It was called The Friendship Circle. This book even won an award in a state fair competition! After winning, Frazee made another copy for her school library. This was her first published book.

She went to college in the Greater Los Angeles Area. She studied at the Art Center College of Design and earned her degree in fine arts in 1981.

Marla Frazee's Creative Career

Starting Out After College (1981–1990)

After finishing college, Marla Frazee worked for many different companies. She used her artistic skills in advertising, creating educational books, and designing toys and games. She even designed toys for big companies like Mattel, Milton Bradley, and Parker Brothers. Frazee also created Happy Meal boxes for McDonald's and drew team characters for the National Football League.

First Published Books (1990–1995)

In 1990, Marla Frazee illustrated her first book that was officially published. It was called World-Famous Muriel and the Magic Mystery, written by Sue Alexander. After that, she illustrated another book called That Kookoory!, written by Margaret Walden Froehlich. Her artwork in these books received good reviews from The Horn Book Magazine. This magazine is well-known for reviewing children's and young adult books.

Breakthrough with The Seven Silly Eaters (1997)

The book The Seven Silly Eaters, written by Mary Ann Hoberman, was a big moment in Frazee's career. This story is about a family with seven children, and each child is a very picky eater. The Horn Book Magazine called it "a pleasure for parent and child." Many other positive reviews followed, making the book very popular.

More Popular Books (1998–2002)

After The Seven Silly Eaters, Frazee illustrated many more books. These books helped her become even more well-known.

  • In 1998, she illustrated On the Morn of Mayfest by Erica Silverman.
  • In 1999, Frazee illustrated the classic folk song Hush, Little Baby.
  • In 2000, she worked on Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!, written by Mem Fox. This book is about a little girl named Harriet who accidentally causes trouble. Even though they make mistakes, Harriet and her mother always love each other.
  • In 2001, Frazee illustrated Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers. This book shows all the ways families love their babies. Frazee created a diverse community united by their love for children.
  • In 2002, she illustrated Mrs. Biddlebox by Linda Smith. In this story, Mrs. Biddlebox uses all the bad parts of her day, like fog and dirt, to bake a delicious cake.

Writing and Illustrating Roller Coaster (2003)

In 2003, Marla Frazee wrote her very first book, Roller Coaster. She got the idea for the book during a family trip. Her sons talked nonstop about roller coasters! Roller Coaster was the first book that Frazee both wrote and illustrated. It tells the story of a typical roller coaster ride and its passengers, focusing on a young girl who is a bit nervous about the ride.

Award-Winning Works (2006–2009)

In 2006, Frazee illustrated Clementine, a series of chapter books by Sara Pennypacker. Frazee used pen and ink drawings to bring the story of an energetic and imaginative third-grader to life.

More recently, Frazee wrote and illustrated A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever. This book was inspired by her son and his friend's adventures at a nature camp. Frazee perfectly captured the feeling of summer vacation and what it means to kids. She earned her first Caldecott Honor for her illustrations in this book, even though she wrote it too.

After A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, Frazee illustrated All the World, a book written by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon. This book follows a family and their friends through a day, ending with a happy gathering at night. Frazee received another Caldecott Honor for her beautiful illustrations and amazing double-page spreads in this book.

The Story of The Boss Baby (2007)

In Fall 2007, The Boss Baby, which Frazee both wrote and illustrated, was published. This book describes what happens when a new baby arrives in a young couple's home. The baby quickly takes over their lives with "meetings" every night and many demands! The Boss Baby received great reviews. The Horn Book Magazine called it "this year's baby-shower hit."

The Boss Baby book inspired an animated movie from DreamWorks Animation. The movie came out in March 2017. A sequel, The Boss Baby: Family Business, was released in July 2021. DreamWorks also created a Netflix show based on the book called The Boss Baby: Back in Business.

Awards and Recognitions

Marla Frazee has received many awards for her wonderful contributions to children's literature:

Marla Frazee's Published Works

Books Illustrated by Marla Frazee

  • World Famous Muriel and the Magic Mystery
  • That Kookoory!
  • The Seven Silly Eaters
  • Me and the Pumpkin Queen
  • On the Morn of Mayfest
  • Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!
  • Everywhere Babies
  • Mrs. Biddlebox
  • New Baby Train
  • Clementine Series:
    • Clementine
    • The Talented Clementine
    • Clementine's Letter
  • All the World
  • Stars
  • Hush Little Baby: A Folk Song with Pictures
  • The People in Pineapple Place – cover
  • It Takes A Village: Picture Book

Books Written and Illustrated by Marla Frazee

  • Roller Coaster
  • Santa Claus, The World's Number One Toy Expert
  • Walk On, A Guide for Babies of All Ages
  • A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
  • The Boss Baby (book)
  • The Bossier Baby
  • The Farmer and the Clown
  • Boot and Shoe
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