Peter Wells (cartoonist) facts for kids
Peter Wells (born January 8, 1912 – died November 8, 1995) was an American cartoonist, a person who draws cartoons. He was also a children’s book author, meaning he wrote books, and an illustrator, someone who draws pictures for books. Peter Wells also taught art at the famous Famous Artists School.
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Who Was Peter Wells?
Peter Wells was a talented artist who brought stories to life with his drawings and words. He spent his career creating fun cartoons and writing engaging books for young readers. He even helped teach others how to draw cartoons.
Early Life and Cartooning Beginnings
Peter Wells was born Herbert Hilbish Wells in Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1912. He started drawing cartoons when he was a student at Yale University. There, he worked as an editor for a magazine called The Yale Review.
In the 1930s, Peter began working for King Features Syndicate. This company distributes comics and articles to newspapers. He drew cartoons for popular series like The Katzenjammer Kids. He also created cartoons for other magazines, including Scholastic and Blue Book Magazine.
Creating Fun Children's Books
Besides drawing cartoons for newspapers and magazines, Peter Wells also wrote and illustrated children’s books. One of his books, Mr. Tootwhistle’s Invention, was very popular. It even won an award in 1942 from the New-York Tribune. Some of his other well-known books include Dolly Madison’s Surprise and The Pirate’s Apprentice.
Teaching Art at the Famous Artists School
In the 1950s, Peter Wells joined the Famous Artists School as a teacher. He led the cartoon division, helping students learn how to draw cartoons. He worked alongside another famous cartoonist named “Bud” Sagendorf. Many of Peter Wells’ cartoons that he created for the Famous Artists School are now kept at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
A Member of the Cartooning Community
Peter Wells was also a member of the National Cartoonists Society. This is a group for professional cartoonists in the United States. Being a member showed that he was a respected artist in the cartooning world.
