Tana Hoban facts for kids

Tana Hoban (born February 20, 1917 – died January 27, 2006) was an American photographer. She was also a famous author of children's books. Many of her books were picture books without any words.

Early Life and Learning

Tana Hoban was born in Philadelphia. Her parents, Jeanette and Abraham Hoban, came from Russia. She had a younger brother, Russell Hoban, who also became a children's book author.

Tana's father, Abraham, worked in advertising. He signed her up for art classes when she was very young. Tana went to school in Philadelphia and later in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

In 1938, she finished her studies at the School of Design for Women. This school is now called Moore College of Art and Design. In the same year, she won a special award. This award allowed her to travel to Europe. There, she could study painting.

Her Career as a Photographer and Author

When Tana returned to the U.S., she married Edward E. Gallob in 1939. She taught herself how to take photos. She became a professional photographer. Tana was especially good at taking pictures of children.

From 1966 to 1969, she taught photography at the University of Pennsylvania. She also gave talks about photography across the country. She did this from 1974 to 1984.

Creating Books for Kids

Starting in 1970, Tana Hoban began to create books. She wrote, designed, and took the pictures for over 110 books. In 1980, her book "One Little Kitten" won a Caldecott Honor award. This is a special award for children's books.

Tana made picture books using her photos. These books helped kids learn many things. They taught about signs, the alphabet, and numbers. They also taught about shapes, colors, animals, and opposites. Her first books were in black-and-white. Later, she made books with color photos.

Her Inspiration

Tana Hoban got the idea for her books from a school in New York. Teachers there asked children what they saw on their way to school. The children could not remember much. So, the teachers gave them cameras. Suddenly, the children started to really look at their world. They found amazing things in everyday life.

Tana said this inspired her. She wanted to help people see what was right in front of them. She said, "I try in my books to catch a moment and a feeling. I want it to touch children." She added, "Through my photos, I try to say 'Look! There are shapes everywhere. Things to count, colors to see, and always, surprises.'"

Tana Hoban spent her last 20 years in Paris. She lived there with her second husband, John G. Morris. He was a photo editor for The New York Times. She passed away in 2006 in France.

Some of Tana Hoban's original papers are kept at the University of Minnesota. Other items are at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Selected Books

Awards

• Caldecott Honor for "One Little Kitten"