Ted Lewin facts for kids

Ted Lewin (born May 6, 1935 – died July 28, 2021) was an American artist and writer. He was famous for illustrating and writing books for children. Ted and his wife, Betsy Lewin, loved to travel the world. They visited amazing places like the Amazon River, Botswana, Egypt, Lapland, the Sahara Desert, and India. These trips gave them many ideas for their books. Ted illustrated more than 100 books for kids and teens during his 20-year career.

Ted Lewin's Early Life

Ted Lewin was born in Buffalo, New York on May 6, 1935. He had a sister and two brothers, Donn and Mark. Both of his brothers were professional wrestlers. Their home was full of interesting pets. They had an iguana, a rhesus monkey, a chimpanzee, and even a lion! Ted loved to sketch these animals. He also copied drawings by other artists he admired.

Ted went to Lafayette High School. There, he improved his art skills. After graduating in 1952, he went to Pratt Institute of Art in Brooklyn. He earned his degree in 1956. It was at Pratt that he met his future wife, Betsy Reilly. They lived together in Brooklyn, New York.

To help pay for his art school, Ted became a professional wrestler when he was a teenager. He wrestled for 26 years, often with his brothers. His wrestling days inspired him to write a book called I Was a Teenaged Professional Wrestler. He wrestled mostly in the World Wide Wrestling Federation from 1963 to 1968.

Famous Books and Awards

Ted Lewin's books have won many awards. In 1994, his book Peppe the Lamplighter received a Caldecott Honor. This is a very special award for children's picture books.

In 2006, a book he illustrated called One Green Apple won an important award. It was the first Arab American Book Award for children's and young adult books. Eve Bunting wrote One Green Apple. The story is about a young girl who moves to America from an Arab country. She learns that her differences make her special and unique.

Ted also won the National Jewish Book Award in 1994. He received it for illustrating The Always Prayer Shawl.

Exhibitions of Ted's Art

Ted Lewin's artwork has been shown in many places. Here are some of the exhibits:

• "Ted and Betsy Lewin's World of Picture Books" at the Brooklyn Public Library, New York (March 4–30, 2004)
• "Adventures With Ted and Betsy" at the Society of Illustrators main floor gallery (June 1–11, 2005)
• "Travels with Ted and Betsy Lewin" at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York
• "Around the World with Ted and Betsy Lewin" at Pratt Institute Libraries (October 30 – December 2, 2008)

Wrestling Achievements

Ted Lewin was also recognized for his long career in wrestling.

• Cauliflower Alley Club
  • Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award (2001)