Myrtle Sheldon facts for kids

Myrtle Sheldon (born January 19, 1893 – died November 24, 1939) was a talented American artist. She was known for illustrating children's books. She was also a dancer and a musician.
Myrtle Sheldon was born in Menomonee, Wisconsin, in the United States. She passed away in Cold Spring, New York. Her parents were Estelle Keeler and J. B. Sheldon. She brought many children's stories to life with her drawings. Some of her early work was not credited to her name.
Some of the famous books she illustrated include A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. She also illustrated Janie Belle by Ellen Tarry. Another notable book was Boy of the South Seas by Eunice Tietjens. This book received a special award called the Newbery Honor in 1932.
Janie Belle was very important. It was one of the first children's picture books in the U.S. written by an African-American author. Famous actress Kathy Bates loved Sheldon's drawings in A Child's Garden of Verses. She said it was one of her favorite books.
Life and Legacy
Myrtle Sheldon was married to Fridolin Joseph Blumer. At the time of her death, she was known as Myrtle Blumer. She died on November 24, 1939, in Cold Spring, New York. Her beautiful illustrations continue to be enjoyed by readers today.
Illustrated Books
Here are some of the books that Myrtle Sheldon illustrated:
- The Little Lame Prince (1910 edition) by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
- A Child's Garden of Verses (1916) by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Boy of the South Seas (1931) by Eunice Tietjens. This book won a Newbery Honor in 1932.
- Jerry Todd's Up-The-Ladder Club (1937) by Leo Edwards
- Jerry Todd's Poodle Parlor (1938) by Leo Edwards
- Mary and Marie (1938) by Helen Valentine
- Harry, the Horse (1939) by Joan Mosely
- We Call it Human Nature (1939) by Paul Grabbe
- Ginger Blue (1940) by Charles Morrow Wilson
- Janie Belle (1940) by Ellen Tarry