🎂 1863 – Born: Géza Gárdonyi
Hungarian writer, historical novelist, and teacher (1863–1922). He was an important figure in the history of Hungarian literature, known for his powerful prose, rigorous historical research, and courageous heroic narratives that depict the nation’s history.
- An epic history that will last forever:
- Star of Aegir (Egri csillagok(Serialized in 1899, published in 1901) — Listed in “1001 Children’s Books,” it has consistently ranked first among Hungarian children’s books. Set against the backdrop of the true historical event of the 16th-century Ottoman siege of Eger Castle, the story tells of the epic tale of young Bornemsá Gergely, who grows from an ordinary village boy into a wise and courageous commander, leading a small garrison of just over two thousand men to defend the castle and repel tens of thousands of enemy troops. The work is filled with courage, action-packed adventure, and a steadfast commitment to freedom.
| Birth | Géza Gárdonyi | Géza Gárdonyi (Wikipedia) |
🎂 1926 – Born: Mary Calhoun
Mary McPherson Calhoun (1926–2015), an American children’s author and newspaper reporter, created numerous picture books and young adult novels beloved by young children. Her works are characterized by their lighthearted and cheerful pace and vivid depictions of animal psychology.
- Representative works and content:
- ““Henry the Cat” series of picture books(Henry the Cat in the Hot Air Balloon)Hot-Air Henry(1981, illustrated by Erick Ingraham) — This film tells the story of Henry, a proud and adventurous conjoined cat who sneaks into his owner’s hot air balloon basket, only to accidentally untangle himself and ascend into the air alone. In the air, Henry calmly and cleverly maneuvers the balloon, staging a thrilling and hilarious high-altitude adventure.
- Subsequent representative works in the series also include “Henry the Cat” (Henry the Christmas Cat)wait.
| Birth | Mary Calhoun | Mary Calhoun (Wikipedia) |
⚰️ 2011 – Death: William Sleator
William Warner Slater III (1945–2011), an American science fiction and suspense novelist and musician, was known for his extremely rigorous and mind-bending scientific hypotheses (such as time travel, multidimensional space, and extraterrestrial civilizations) and tense and suspenseful psychological battles. He was an important voice in the American science fiction world for young people in the late 20th century.
- Representative works and content:
- Star Pig (Interstellar Pig(1984) — The story follows 16-year-old Barney, who, while on a beach vacation, meets three strange strangers next door and is invited to join a board game called “Piglet.” Barney soon discovers that this is not just a game, but a real intergalactic survival game, and that the three people next door are aliens disguised as humans, while the key to Earth’s survival is the core item of the board game, the “pig” card.
| Deceased | William Sleator | William Sleator (Wikipedia) |
🎂 1920 – Born: Max Fatchen
Maxwell Edgar Falson (1920–2012), an Australian children’s author, journalist, and poet, wrote many of his children’s novels set against the backdrop of the Australian wilderness, rivers, and coastlines, filled with realistic depictions of nature and the trials and tribulations of growing up.
- Representative works and content:
- Spirit Wind (The Spirit Wind(1973) — Listed in “1001 Children’s Books”. Set against the backdrop of Australia’s desolate northwest coast, the story tells of a boy named Jackie who, in order to escape bullying, flees into the wilderness and finds refuge with an elderly Aboriginal man. The adventure unfolds as he struggles to survive amidst storms and nature, building courage and confidence.
| Birth | Max Fatchen | Max Fatchen (Wikipedia) |
🎂 1945 – Born: Antonio Tello
An Argentine writer, poet, and graphic artist (1945), whose full name is Antoni Tello Aguello.
- Representative works and content:
- As an illustrator, he illustrated Juan Muñoz Martín’s humorous children’s classic, *Fry Perico and His Donkey*.Fray Perico y su borricoThe book features wonderful illustrations by [author’s name] (1980). It is listed in “1001 Children’s Books” and tells the hilarious daily life of the kind-hearted Brother Pericco and his little donkey Calzetas in a monastery.
| Birth | Antonio Tello | Antonio Tello (Wikipedia) |
🎂 1841 – Born: Juliana Horatia Ewing
A British Victorian children’s author (1841–1885). She was the author of the early British children’s literature magazine *Auntie’s Bag*.Aunt Judy’s MagazineThe core creator of ) is known for his realistic and delicate depictions of family life and his warm portrayals of military life.
- Representative works and content:
- Jacques Napoleonic and Other Stories (Jackanapes, Daddy Darwin’s Dovecot, and Other Stories(1884, Randolph Caldecott) — The title story, *Jacknappes*, tells the tale of Jacques Napoleonic, an orphan raised by his grandfather who grows up to join the cavalry and heroically sacrifices himself on the battlefield to rescue his childhood friend. The work profoundly portrays loyalty, sacrifice, and noble sentiments.
| Birth | Juliana Horatia Ewing | Juliana Horatia Ewing (Wikipedia) |
🎂 1937 – Born: Steve Sanfield
American folktale collector, storyteller, and children’s author (1937). He dedicated himself for many years to collecting and preserving folktales, legends from the time of slavery, and traditional poetry.
- Representative works and content:
- The Adventures of John the Conqueror (The Adventures of High John the Conqueror(1989) — This book collects and organizes the stories of John Gould, a folk hero from the plantation era, who was a prominent figure among African Americans. John Gould, with his wisdom, humor, and tenacious vitality, repeatedly overcame hardship and fooled greedy plantation owners, demonstrating hope and dignity amidst suffering.
- His representative works also include the picture book “Little by Little,” adapted from a Jewish folktale.Bit by Bit).
| Birth | Steve Sanfield | Steve Sanfield (Wikipedia) |