Stephen Gammell facts for kids
Stephen Gammell, born on February 10, 1943, is an American artist who draws pictures for children's books. He is famous for his unique illustrations. In 1989, he won a big award called the Caldecott Medal. This award was for his pictures in the book Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman.
Two other books he illustrated, Where the Buffaloes Begin and The Relatives Came, also won Caldecott Honor awards. Stephen Gammell is perhaps most known for his spooky, dream-like drawings in the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series. He has illustrated almost 70 books and even wrote nine of them himself.
About Stephen Gammell
Stephen Gammell grew up in Iowa. His father worked as an art editor for a magazine. This meant Stephen saw many interesting pictures and magazines at home. His parents also gave him lots of pencils and paper. They always encouraged his artistic talent. Stephen Gammell is a self-taught artist, meaning he learned to draw on his own.
He started his career doing art for different businesses. But soon, he became very interested in drawing for children's books. His first picture book came out in 1973. It was called A Nutty Business by Ida Chittum. That same year, he also illustrated a book about the famous writer Leo Tolstoy.
Stephen Gammell is especially known for his unusual and sometimes unsettling drawings. These pictures are featured in the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. These horror short stories by Alvin Schwartz are still very popular with young readers today.
Today, Stephen Gammell lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife, Linda Gammell. Linda is a photographer. Stephen works every day in his art studio, which is located above a restaurant.
Books Stephen Gammell Illustrated
Stephen Gammell has illustrated many books throughout his career. He has worked on nearly 70 books between 1973 and 2013. He also wrote nine of these books himself. His illustrations have brought many stories to life for young readers.
Some of his most well-known works include:
- Where the Buffaloes Begin (1981) by Olaf Baker – This book received a Caldecott Honor award.
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1981) by Alvin Schwartz – This was the first book in the famous horror series.
- More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (1984) by Alvin Schwartz – The second book in the series.
- The Relatives Came (1986) by Cynthia Rylant – This book also earned a Caldecott Honor award.
- Song and Dance Man (1988) by Karen Ackerman – This book won the prestigious Caldecott Medal.
- Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones (1991) by Alvin Schwartz – The final book in the trilogy.
Stephen Gammell's unique style has made these books memorable for many generations of children.
