⚰️ March 30, 2020 — Passed away: Tomie dePaola
America’s most beloved picture book master, author, and illustratorTommy DeborahHe passed away in 1934–2020. His highly recognizable, warm, folk art-like style of illustration has become a symbol in the American children’s book world.
- Important works and achievements:
- Caldecott Silver Medal: With his representative work “Grandma Witch-Strega Nona(Published in 1975) won awards 1976 Caldecott HonorThat magical noodle-cooking pot became one of the most profound childhood memories for countless children.
- Highest Honor: In 2011, it won the Children’s Literature Heritage Award (CLLA) and was nominated for the Newbery Honor and the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
- Representative works: Besides *Ali’s Red Cloak*, his other works on the theme of grandparent-grandchild relationships include…First the left foot, then the right foot-Now One Foot, Now the OtherIt is deeply moving. He wrote more than 200 books in his lifetime, and his writing is full of respect for multiculturalism and family values.
| Passed Away | Tomie dePaola | Tomie dePaola (Wikipedia) |
🎂 Born March 30, 1820: Anna Sewell
British famous writerAnna SewellBorn (1820–1878).
- Important works and status:
- Black Stallion（Black BeautyPublished in 1877: This is her only work in her lifetime.
- Historical significance: This work pioneered the use of animals as first-person narrators. Sewell’s initial intention in writing this book was not for entertainment, but to call for the humane treatment of livestock. The book’s realistic depiction of the horses’ suffering and emotions touched society at the time, directly promoting animal protection legislation in Britain and around the world. It is one of the best-selling children’s books in history and is listed in “1001 Children’s Books”.
| Birth | Anna Sewell | Anna Sewell (Wikipedia) |
🎂 Born March 30, 1959: Kevin Brooks
British renowned young adult literature authorKevin BrooksBorn. He is known for the stark realism in his works and his precise portrayal of the psychology of teenagers.
- Important works and achievements:
- Carnegie Medal (CMW): With theBunker Diary-The Bunker Diary) won 2014 Carnegie Medal.
- feature: His works often break away from the mild tone of traditional young adult literature. This gold medal-winning work sparked huge controversy at the time due to its extremely depressing and despairing ending, but it was also highly praised for its profound exploration of the limits of human nature. In addition, he is a frequent recipient of the German Young Adult Literature Prize (DJLP).
| Birth | Kevin Brooks | Kevin Brooks (Wikipedia) |
⚰️ March 30, 1912 – Died: Karl May
One of the most popular and best-selling adventure novelists in German historyCarl McHe died in 1842–1912.
- Important works and influence:
- Silver Lake Treasure（Der Schatz im SilberseeHis masterpiece depicts adventure stories in the American Old West.
- status: Although he had never even been to America when he wrote these stories, the chivalrous and courageous Native American chief Winnetou, whom he created, influenced generations of Europeans. He was a legend in German popular literature, and his works were included in “1001 Children’s Books”.
| Passed Away | Karl May | Karl May (Wikipedia) |
🗓️ Other Important Person Briefings
| event | figure | Details/Awards | Main Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| born | Agnes Hewes (Agnes Hewes) | American author. His historical adventure novel *Spice and the Devil’s Cave* (Spice and the Devil’s Cave)Newbery Medal. | Agnes Hewes (Wikipedia) |
| Death | John Cheardy (John Ciardi) | A renowned American poet and critic. His masterpiece, “You Read to Me, I Read to You,” promoted the culture of shared reading between parents and children through its humorous rhymes and rhythm. | John Ciardi (Wikipedia) |
