Robert Kraus facts for kids

Robert Kraus (June 21, 1925 – August 7, 2001) was an American author, illustrator, and cartoonist. He also started his own publishing company. Robert Kraus is best known for his many children's books. He wrote and drew over 100 books for kids.

His stories often featured animal characters who always tried their best. These characters never gave up, which was a message important to Robert Kraus. He wanted to share this idea with young readers.

Robert Kraus's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Robert Kraus was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1925. His parents were Jack and Esther Kraus. His mother taught him important lessons that later appeared in his children's books.

He studied art at the Layton School for the Arts in Milwaukee. He also went to the Arts Student League in New York City. During World War II, he could not join the military because of his eyesight. In 1946, he married Pamela Vivienne, whom he met at art school. They had two sons, Bruce and Bill.

Starting His Career

Robert Kraus showed his talent for drawing cartoons very early. When he was just 10 years old, he won a cartoon contest. This contest was held by his local newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal.

By age 12, the same newspaper hired him. He drew a weekly cartoon called "Public Nuisances." At 16, he sold his first cartoon to The New Yorker magazine. This was a very famous magazine for cartoons. He also drew for other popular magazines like Collier's and The Saturday Evening Post. Later, he became a full-time artist for The New Yorker.

Cartoons for The New Yorker

Robert Kraus became a regular artist for The New Yorker in the 1950s. He drew many cartoons and designed covers for the magazine. In his first year, he drew 50 cartoons.

His cover art often showed his love for New York City. He drew scenes like artists' studios and city parades. He also drew about his life in the countryside of Connecticut. He created over 450 cartoons and 21 covers for The New Yorker in 15 years. Later, he made a Sunday cartoon feature for kids called "Zap! The Video Chap." This cartoon was about children who loved playing video games.

Writing Children's Books

In 1954, Robert Kraus decided to start writing children's books. He wrote and illustrated many popular stories. Some of his first books included Junior the Spoiled Cat and The Littlest Rabbit. He also created the "Spider, Fly and Ladybug" series.

One of his most famous books is Leo the Late Bloomer. This book is about a lion cub who takes his time to learn new things. It teaches children that it's okay to learn at your own speed. Kraus often worked with other talented artists from The New Yorker, like William Steig.

Kraus's stories were special because they spoke directly to children. He used animal characters to teach important lessons. These lessons included "never give up" and "always do your best." He learned these ideas from his mother. He once said he wrote children's books to help himself and others. He also wanted to explore problems he saw in the world. For example, his book "Miranda's Beautiful Dream" was inspired by Martin Luther King.

Starting a Publishing Company

In 1965, Robert Kraus started his own publishing company called Windmill Books. He used his friendships with other New Yorker artists to help him. Windmill Books published books by famous artists like William Steig. Steig's book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble even won a special award called the Caldecott Medal.

Windmill Books also published a book by the famous painter Jacob Lawrence. This book, Harriet and the Promised Land, was reviewed in the art section of The New York Times. Robert Kraus eventually left The New Yorker to work full-time at Windmill Books. He wrote and illustrated books for his company and other publishers.

Windmill Books also created new types of books. They made "board books" and "bathtub books" that could be used as toys. Even though the company faced some challenges, it published over 200 books. Robert Kraus loved drawing the most. He said that giving his stories to other illustrators felt like giving away a child.

Later Life

Robert Kraus passed away in 2001 at the age of 76. He is buried in Ridgefield, Connecticut. On his gravestone, there is a picture of a spider. This spider is a character from one of his beloved children's books. He was survived by his wife, Pamela, and their two sons, Bruce and Bill. He also had four grandchildren.

Books Written by Robert Kraus

Books Illustrated by Robert Kraus

Books Written and Illustrated by Robert Kraus