P. D. Eastman facts for kids

Philip Dey "Phil" Eastman (born November 25, 1909 – died January 7, 1986) was an American writer, illustrator, and artist. He is best known for writing and illustrating many popular children's books. You might know him by his pen name, P. D. Eastman.

Early Life and Education

Philip Dey Eastman was born in Amherst, Massachusetts. His parents were Clarence Willis and Ann Hull Eastman. He went to school at Phillips Academy Andover and Williston Academy. Later, he graduated from Amherst College in 1933. He also studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City.

A Creative Career

P. D. Eastman had a long and interesting career. He worked in both film and books.

Working in Film and Animation

From 1936 to 1941, Eastman worked for Walt Disney Productions. He helped with animation and story ideas. After that, he worked at Warner Bros. for a short time. He was part of the cartoonists' union there.

In 1942, Eastman joined the Army. He worked in a film unit led by Theodor Geisel, who later became famous as Dr. Seuss. Eastman helped plan animated parts for training films. He also wrote stories and drew storyboards for the Private Snafu cartoon series.

After the war, from 1945 to 1952, Eastman worked at United Productions of America (UPA). He wrote and drew storyboards for the Mr. Magoo cartoons. He even helped write the movie Gerald McBoing-Boing. This animated comedy won an Academy Award in 1950! Eastman also directed educational films for the U.S. Navy.

Becoming a Children's Author

P. D. Eastman became a close friend and co-worker of Theodor Geisel. Geisel was already using his famous pen name, Dr. Seuss. Eastman wrote many books for children in his own special style. These books were often part of the Beginner Books series by Random House.

Some of his most famous books include:

• Are You My Mother? (He wrote and illustrated this one!)
• Go, Dog. Go!
• The Best Nest (He also wrote and illustrated this book.)
• Sam and the Firefly (Another book he wrote and illustrated.)
• Big Dog...Little Dog
• The Alphabet Book

Eastman also illustrated books written by other authors:

• A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer Geisel
• Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner
• I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words by Michael K. Frith

He also wrote one book that was illustrated by someone else:

• Snow illustrated by Roy McKie

His stories are still loved today. They are often found in collections like The Big Red Book of Beginner Books and The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books.

Other Groups He Joined

Eastman was a member of several groups. These included the American Civil Liberties Union, which works for people's rights. He was also part of the Screen Cartoonists Guild and the Audubon Society, which helps protect birds and nature.

His Family

In 1941, P. D. Eastman married Mary Louise Whitham. They had two sons, Alan and Peter Anthony Eastman. Peter, also known as Tony, became an animator like his father. Tony Eastman has directed videos based on Richard Scarry's children's books. He has also written and illustrated his own books, like Fred and Ted Go Camping. Tony has even added new drawings to some of his father's classic books.