Max Velthuijs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Max Velthuijs
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Max Velthuijs (1977)
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| Born | 22 May 1923 The Hague, Netherlands |
| Died | 25 January 2005 (aged 81) The Hague |
| Occupation | Painter, illustrator and writer |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Genre | Children's picture books |
Max Velthuijs (1923–2005) was a famous Dutch artist. He was a painter, an illustrator, and a writer. Many people know him as one of the best children's illustrators from the Netherlands. In 2004, he won the important Hans Christian Andersen Medal. This award is given for a lasting contribution to children's literature.
Early Life and First Books
Max Velthuijs was born in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 22, 1923. During World War II, he did something brave. He helped the Dutch resistance by making fake stamps for identity papers. This helped protect people who were hiding from danger.
He started his career as a commercial artist. He designed things for businesses. Later, he began illustrating children's books. His first job as a children's book illustrator was in 1962. He worked on a well-known book called Versjes die wij nooit vergeten (Rhymes we will never forget).
Two years later, he illustrated A is een aapje (A is for Monkey). This book was a big success. It made him famous around the world as a children's book illustrator. Many of his books were then published in other countries, like Germany.
The Famous Frog Books
Max Velthuijs is best known for his wonderful Frog picture books. There are more than 20 books in this series. The first one was Frog in Love, published in 1989. This book became popular all over the world.
It's interesting that his Frog books were often published first in England. Even though Max lived in The Hague, his main publisher for these books was in England.
Awards and Inspiration
Max Velthuijs received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2004. This is one of the highest honors for writers and illustrators of children's books. He won the award for his writing.
In his acceptance speech, he talked about his work. He said, "Drawing a Frog is not so difficult. But how do you draw a Frog in love? Or a frightened frog?" He explained that he didn't always know how he did it. He just felt happy when parents and children loved Frog and his friends.
A jury president named Jeffrey Garrett praised Velthuijs's stories. He said that the stories of Frog and his friends are like small plays. They show that life can be hard, but it is good in the end. They teach us not to give up and to remember that we are stronger than we think. They also remind us that we are not alone.
Max Velthuijs passed away in his hometown of The Hague on January 25, 2005. His books continue to bring joy and important lessons to children everywhere.
