Robert Quackenbush facts for kids

Robert Mead Quackenbush (born July 23, 1929 – died May 17, 2021) was an amazing American writer and artist who created books for kids. He wrote and drew pictures for over 170 books! You might know his famous characters like Henry the Duck, Detective Mole, and Miss Mallard.

Robert's Early Life

Robert Quackenbush was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 23, 1929. His family came to New York from the Netherlands a long time ago, in the 1600s. His dad, Roy, was an engineer, and his mom, Virginia, was a secretary. Robert grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.

When Robert was nine years old, his dad passed away in a car accident. This sad event made Robert very interested in how children cope with feelings and mental health. He even saw a therapist, which helped him understand these topics better.

After finishing high school in 1947, Robert studied art for a summer at Parsons School of Design. He then went to Phoenix College but decided to focus on his art career instead. In 1948, he joined the ArtCenter College of Design.

Two years later, he was chosen to join the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in South Carolina and Indiana. Even in the army, he kept creating art by painting portraits of his fellow soldiers. Robert left the army in 1953. He used his G.I. Bill to finish his studies at the ArtCenter, graduating in 1956. After that, he moved to New York.

Robert's Creative Career

Robert Quackenbush first worked as a creative director for Scandinavian Airlines. During a summer trip to Stockholm, he discovered different art techniques like woodcuts and etchings. He especially loved woodcuts. When he returned to New York, he left his corporate job to become a printmaker.

His prints were shown in famous places like the Whitney Museum of American Art. He also created art for the New York Hilton Midtown and the National Air and Space Museum. Then, he started illustrating for magazines and later for books. In 1962, he was asked to illustrate "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" by Hans Christian Andersen.

After illustrating 62 books for other authors, Robert decided to write and illustrate his own stories. His first book was Old MacDonald Had a Farm in 1972. He started writing the Henry the Duck stories around 1974, when his son was born. He wanted to help his son avoid being teased because of their last name, "Quackenbush." Robert said that after he dedicated books to his son, no one made fun of his name anymore.

Robert wrote and illustrated over 200 books! He created popular characters like Detective Mole, Miss Mallard, and Pete Pack Rat. His most famous book, Henry's Awful Mistake, was published in 1980. It was so popular that almost 900 libraries in the US and Canada had it.

In 1982, he won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for best children's mystery for Detective Mole and the Halloween Mystery. Later, his Miss Mallard books were turned into an animated TV show called A Miss Mallard Mystery, which started in 2000.

When Robert was in his sixties, he went back to school! He earned a master's degree in social work from Fordham University. He also got a PhD in childhood development and children's education. He then worked as a therapist, helping people. He also taught painting to children and held workshops for adults who wanted to write children's books.

Family Life and Later Years

Robert Quackenbush married Margery Clouser in 1971. They met when she visited his art studio while he was working on Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Margery was even an inspiration for his character Miss Mallard, who also had the name Margery and wore a brim hat just like her! Robert and Margery had one child, a son named Piet. They were married until Robert passed away.

Robert Quackenbush died on May 17, 2021, at his home in Manhattan. He was 91 years old.

Awards and Recognitions

Robert Quackenbush received several awards for his wonderful contributions to children's literature:

• He won the American Flag Institute Award four times for his great work.
• In 1982, he received the Edgar Allan Poe Special Award for his book Detective Mole and the Halloween Mystery.
• His book Batbaby was voted the best children's book of 1998 by NAAP, earning him the Gradiva Award.