Today’s first children’s book illustrator that you should know is perhaps the most talented illustrator among the ten I am highlighting throughout this series. Kadir Nelson, an American artist born in 1974, is most widely known for his stunning oil paintings capturing African American history. His oil paintings have been displayed throughout the world and his art work commissioned by Sports Illustrated, The Coca-Cola Company, The United States Postal Company, and Major League Baseball to name a few. He has authored and illustrated several books and illustrated for multiple authors, including former President Barack Obama.
Kadir Nelson has won multiple awards many times over including the Coretta Scott King Award and the Caldecott Award to name just two. Here are my favorite of his works. Perfect selections for February as we celebrate Black History Month and President’s Day. The pictures are feasts for the eyes and the historical content is rich for discussion.
Sophie Blackall, originally born in Australia but now residing in Brooklyn, New York, is a two time Caldecott award winning illustrator. She is also the recipient of other awards including the Era Jack Keats Award, Society of Illustrators Founders Award, Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book, and New York Times Top Ten Picture Book.
My family, from youngest to oldest, immediately fell in love with the stunningly illustrated book, Hello Lighthouse, and the charming story, Finding Winnie. Additionally, the beauty and richness of A Fine Dessert: One Dessert Over Four Centuries, captured our history and baking loving older children. Ms. Blackall has illustrated a few multicultural books including Ruby’s Wish and Big Red Lollipop highlighting Chinese and Pakistani culture respectively. Parent warning: The Baby Tree is a book to be read with a child when they are ready to know where babies really come from. So please, don’t plop down with this picture book until you are ready to answer this question with anatomically correct terminology. However, when you are ready, this book may prove the perfect choice for your child!
Here are our favorite selections illustrated by Sophie Blackall, a children’s book author and illustrator you and your family should know.
Paul Galdone, originally born in Budapest, Hungary and later moving at the age of 14 to New Jersey lived from 1907-1986. Perhaps best known for his retelling and illustrating of classic fairy tales, he also illustrated nearly all of Eve Titus’ book series on Basil the Detective for which he won a Caldecott Award. Read more about Mr. Galdone in his short autobiography 
Jerry Pinkney and Paul Galdone are two children’s book illustrators that are staples in our home and two that you should know as well. Do you have favorites of these gentleman’s books? Happy and beautiful reading!
