Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators As Kids

This vibrantly illustrated graphic novel anthology brings to life the childhood experiences of beloved artists and illustrators such as Wanda Gag, Maurice Sendak, and Jerry Pinkney. Stylish illustrations paired with small vignettes and anecdotes from the artists’ early lives helps illuminate the hard work, triumphs, failures, and inspiration that helped forge their successful careers.
What makes an artist? What sparks their imagination? Where do their creativity and unique style come from? Striking illustrations and a graphic novel format bring to life this anthology of legendary artists and their childhoods. Featuring beloved artists such as Wanda Gag, Maurice Sendak, Tove Jansson, Jerry Pinkney, Yuyi Morales and Hayao Miyazaki, these stories capture the childhood triumphs, failures, and inspirations that predated their careers. Children will see themselves in these portraits and wonder if they, too, might have it in them to make art. A celebration of creativity, this collective graphic biography is sprinkled throughout with writing wisdom and inspiring quotes. Look for the companion book Before They Were Authors: Famous Writers as Kids. AGES: 8 to 12 AUTHOR: Elizabeth Haidle is the co-founder of Mascot Press, creating thought-provoking comics and animations. She has an incurable passion for illustrated biographies and low-maintenance gardening. Her first book, at age 13, was about a grumpy elf with a pet snail. Bill Peet is her favorite children’s book author. She lives in Portland, Oregon.