Simms Taback facts for kids

Simms Taback (born February 13, 1932 – died December 25, 2011) was an American artist. He was a writer, a graphic designer, and an illustrator. He created pictures for more than 35 books. He won a big award called the Caldecott Medal in 2000. This award is for the best illustrations in a U.S. picture book. He won it for his book Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. He was also a runner-up for the same award in 1998 for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.

Simms Taback's Journey

Simms Taback studied art at the Cooper Union. After his studies, he served in the United States Army. He later worked as a designer for large companies. These included CBS Records and The New York Times.

He also helped create a group for artists called the Illustrators Guild. This group later became the New York Graphic Artists Guild. Simms Taback also taught art. He taught at the School of Visual Arts and Syracuse University.

In 1977, Simms Taback designed the very first McDonald's Happy Meal box. He passed away in 2011 from pancreatic cancer.

His Amazing Books

Simms Taback created many wonderful books for children. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Jabberwocky and other nonsense (1964) – This book featured poems by Lewis Carroll.
• Too Much Noise (1967) – Written by Ann McGovern.
• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (1977) – This was a special book with moving parts. It was based on an old Yiddish folk song.
• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (1998) – He illustrated this famous American folk poem.
• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (1999) – This is the version that won the Caldecott Medal!
• This is the House that Jack Built (2002) – Based on the classic nursery rhyme.
• Kibitzers and Fools: tales my zayda (grandfather) told me (2005) – A collection of traditional Jewish stories.

He also created a series of books about animals:

• Animal Parade
  • City Animals
  • Dinosaurs
  • Farm Animals
  • Safari Animals

Other original books by Simms Taback include:

• Quack Like A Duck!
• Who Am I?
• Who Said Moo?
• Where Is My Baby?
• Where Is My Friend?

Awards and Recognition

Simms Taback received several important awards for his work:

Awards He Won

• 1999: He won the National Jewish Book Award for his book Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.
• 2000: He received the prestigious Caldecott Medal. This was for his illustrations in Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.

Awards He Was a Finalist For

• 1998: He was a finalist for the Caldecott Medal. This was for his illustrations in There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.