Since then I found many more books that tell of the authors who created books. I love that publishers are giving us a huge selection of gorgeous biographies. From beginning readers, to beloved folk tales, to literature for adults, this list of books will acquaint your students with some of the most loved books and authors in the English language.
Note: Some of these authors were not God-fearing people and made poor moral choices that you might want to discuss with your children.
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by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
From World War One comes the story a young Canadian vet, an abandoned bear cub, and a chain of events that would impact children's literature for generations.
by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Qin Leng
Warm watercolors make me want to step inside Jane Austen's home and curl up with a book beside her in her father's library. Learn about Austen's life and books and be inspired that even ordinary life can result in extraordinary results.
by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Peter collected words which grew into Roget's Thesaurus, one of the most widely used reference books. Learn his story through this fascinating biography in which the collage-type illustrations nearly steal the show.
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Ever wonder how the crazy character of the Cat in the Hat became loved by children? Learn the story of the man known as Dr. Seuss. You may also enjoy Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the Hat by Judy Sierra with its crazy illustrations.
by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema, illustrated by Kiane Stanley
Shakespeare gave us new words and new ways of describing life. In this biography we learn about the experiences and people who impacted Shakespeare's life and helped him become one of the most famous authors in the English language.
written and illustrated by Cheryl Harness
Irving gave us Rip Van Winkle, but he did so much more in his life. A boldly painted picture book of a famous American by a skilled author/illustrator.
by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
If you were a child in 1726, you wouldn't have many books written for you. But John Newbery changed children's publishing and his name still lives on in book awards today.
by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
When Elwyn was sick in bed, a small mouse became his friend. This simple picture book tells the story of the beloved author of Charlotte's Web.
Slightly older children (and adults) will enjoy the excellent biography of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet with its incredible illustrations. I'm not sure whether to call it a biography or a picture book, but Sweet excels at both. I read this one aloud and we all loved it.
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson
Bold paintings and lyrical verse tell the story of Keats and his simple picture book that changed American publishing for children.
In the Belly of an Ox: The Unexpected Photographic Adventures of Richard and Cherry Kearton, written and illustrated by Rebecca Bond
Most of us have some kind of nature guide on our shelf. This is the true story of how two brothers from Yorkshire became the first to photograph all the bird nests and eggs of England in their natural habitat.
The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey by Lousie Borden, illustrated by Allan Drummond
Learn the story behind the story of Curious George's escape by bicycle from German-occupied Paris. Collage-type illustrations combine with lilting prose to share the Reys' story.
Harness’ historical picture books are always a joy with her combination of vivid watercolors and well-written information. This one tells of the Mississippi River and how Mark Twain’s life intertwined with its waters.
Just looking through this list makes me want to go to the library and read these books again.
Books, I mentioned before, we enjoy them. Marlita's twins recently went to Boston, and saw the ducks, "make way for ducklings" marlita would have been pleased! I was happy too.
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