Day 17: E.B. Lewis

E.B. Lewis is the award-winning illustrator of more than fifty books for children, a few of which include Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys, (Simon & Schuster, 1999); Talkin’ about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman, (Orchard, 2002); Coming on Home Soon, (Putnam, 2004); The Negro Speaks of Rivers, (Hyperion, 2009).

In 2003, Mr. Lewis won the Coretta Scott King Illustration Award for Talkin’ about Bessie, and in 2005 he won a Caldecott Honor for the book Coming on Home. The awards don’t stop there. He is also the recipient of Notable Book selections from the American Library Association and Notable Books for the Language Arts citation, and more.

E.B. Lewis entered the world of children’s books in 1993, when his art appeared in Jane Kurtz’s Fire on the Mountain (Simon & Schuster). As a fine artist, E.B. first declined an offer to illustrate a children’s book. But then agent Jeff Dwyer schooled him on the business of trade picture books, and encouraged E.B. to seek out the works of other illustrators. After doing so, E.B. changed his mind, saying, “Hey, I can paint better than those guys!”

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snag an interview with Mr. Lewis. I know, bummer, but what to do? Here are a few links concerning the artist:

The artist’s website: http://www.eblewis.com/illustration/books.html

R. Michelson Galleries: http://www.rmichelson.com/Artist_Pages/Lewis/EB_Lewis.htm

E.B. Lewis Video Interview, Scholastic: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=195

 

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