Miss. Beth's 5 Favorite Children's Authors
With all of the terrific authors out there, where do you start? Take it from Our very own Miss. Beth. With degrees in Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education, she knows a thing or two. Not to mention her many years of teaching. So let's see who her favorite children's authors are:
5. Dr. Seuss
Now you may be surprised he's number five, but you knew he'd be on the list somewhere, right? Dr. Seuss is a legend. Odds are he comes to mind when you think of children's book authors. Did you know however that he was almost an english teacher, or that his first nationally published cartoon was in "The Saturday Evening Post"? What a way to start! Seuss, or should we say Theodor Seuss Geisel, was an author and illustrator. In addition to his children's books, he was a cartoonist, an illustrator, and even worked for the US Army during World War II (animation department). Last little fact before we move on... National Read Across America Day is set on Theodor Seuss Geisel's birthday, March 2nd. So on the Second of March don't forget to read, encourage reading, and pick up a Dr. Seuss book the first week of March.
4. James Dean (with Eric Litwin)
James Dean is number four on the list. This is a bit more complicated. As you likely noticed, there are two names listed. James Dean created Pete the Cat. "Mr. Eric" gave him music and rhythm. About 17 years ago (or maybe more), James Dean was an electrical engineer in Alabama. Let me pause there and say that in our family, that makes us fans (lived in Alabama, family full of Auburn Alumni, and an Electrical Engineer in the midst). James Dean and Eric Litwin had a chance encounter that turned into something HUGE. Children all over recognize this dark blue cat (you've seen a cat so black it's almost blue, right?), and the tunes that make you sing about "groovy" shoes, knowing that "it's all good". Since then James Dean and Eric Litwin have parted ways. James Dean and his wife Kimberly now write and illustrate the popular books, which was always part of the plan for them. In fact, my daughter's favorite Pete the Cat book is from James and Kimberly Dean "Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School". If you've not checked these books out, you're missing out!
If you are a parent that's been through Chickfila in the last few years, it's possible that your child has gotten one of Doreen Cronin's books in their kids meals. She is the author of the popular books such as "Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type". It's a cute little story, even if the Farmer gives in and brings them all electric blankets. These books are adorable, funny, clever, and educational with the rhythms and repetitive sounds. What you may not know about this favorite author is that as a child she wanted to be a policeman like her dad or even an FBI agent. That was more dangerous in reality and not what she decided to become. Instead, she became a lawyer before moving on to be a full time author. I couldn't be happier she left the legal field and became an author.
Number Two on this list is a Caldecott Winner! He's an illustrator and an author! When writing this list what surprises me is that he is in his 50's. His books are so playful that I imagined him younger. You can't be younger forever though, can you? But, you can be playful. David's books are full of imagination and color. David Shannon is known in our household for his No David books and his pirate books. The one I'd like to check out is titled "How Georgie Radbourn Saved Baseball". I've never read this book. Our author, Elizabeth Lee Sorrell or "Miss. Beth", really likes baseball. I can't believe she's not introduced this to us. Time to a visit to the library. How about you? Have you read this book? Others by David Shannon?
1. And last but TOP of this list is.... (drum roll) Mo Willems
Mo Willems is an American writer, animator, and creator of children's books. But just wait, Miss. Beth may not be the only one who'd place Mo Willems near or at the top of a list like this. Mr. Willems has 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, 5 Geisel Honors, 3 Carnegie Medals, and 6 Emmys. Can you say it with me, Whaaaat?! Wow, Mr. Willems, just wow. Thank you for contributions to the children's book genre and more specifically for our silly little pigeon. That pigeon can be just as ridiculous as our kids can be about baths and pets and such.
Thank you to each of these authors. We love your beautiful works and so does the child within each of us.
SIDE NOTE: Don't forget to check out the links throughout the post. These websites show many books, games and extra features that you'll want to see.
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