Thacher Hurd facts for kids

John Thacher Hurd, born on March 6, 1949, is an American artist. He is well-known for creating many popular children's picture books. Some of his most famous books include Mama Don't Allow and Art Dog.

About Thacher Hurd

Early Life and Family

Thacher Hurd was born in Burlington, Vermont. His parents, Clement Hurd and Edith Thacher Hurd, were also famous creators of children's books. Thacher grew up in a very creative home on a farm in Vermont. He once said that his childhood home had a "wonderful aura of creativity."

A famous author named Margaret Wise Brown dedicated her 1949 book, My World, to Thacher. She did this right after he was born.

Becoming an Author

After high school, Thacher Hurd went to the California College of Arts and Crafts. He then decided to use his artistic talents to create picture books for children. His very first book was called The Old Chair, and it was published in 1978.

Famous Books and Art

Thacher Hurd has worked on many interesting projects. In 2001, he added new colors to a re-released version of My World. This book was originally written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by his father, Clement Hurd.

Later, in 2008, Thacher used his father's artwork from the classic book Goodnight Moon. He created a new book called Goodnight Moon 123: A Counting Book.

His work, along with his parents' art, was shown in a special exhibition in 2004. It was called "From Goodnight Moon to Art Dog: The World of Clement, Edith and Thatcher Hurd."

Zoom City and Technology

One of Thacher Hurd's books, Zoom City, was published in 1998. This book actually inspired the name of a big technology company! In 2012, the American company Zoom Video Communications chose its name because of Zoom City. His book Zoom City was also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

Other Creative Works

Thacher Hurd also wrote a book with John Cassidy called Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered. This book helps people learn how to paint with watercolors. It was first published in 1992 and then reissued in 2017.

His Publishing Work

Thacher Hurd and his wife, Olivia, live in Berkeley, California. They have two sons named Manton and Nicholas. In 1983, Thacher and Olivia started their own publishing company. It is called Peaceable Kingdom Press. This company prints cards and posters that feature art from children’s books.

Books by Thacher Hurd