Robert Lawson
It was a mother's urging that first launched illustrator Robert Lawson into a career which would make a lasting name for himself.
Born in 1892 in New York City, he grew up in New Jersey. His mother recognized in him a talent for illustrations and encouraged him to attend the New York School of Fine and Applied Art where he studied under Howard Giles.
Upon graduation, he did illustrations for magazines, newspapers, greeting cards, scenic design, and commercial work. In 1930, he began illustrating children's books. After illustrating a few, his publisher asked him to suggest a subject that he would be interested in illustrating. He sent in an outline for the book that would become Ben and Me. The publisher told him they'd never be able to find someone to write that story so he'd have to do it himself. He did, launching a career that would eventually earn him both Caldecotts and Newbery awards.
Lawson died in 1957 at his home, Rabbit Hill, the setting for his book of that name.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ben and Me |
The Tough Winter |
Edward, Hoppy, and Joe |
Captain Kidd’s Cat |
Rabbit Hill |
Robbut: A Tale of Tails |
Mr. Revere and I |
I Discover Columbus |
