
Today in Children’s Book History: December 22 Briefing
⚰️ December 22, 1767 – Death: John Newbery
British publishersJohn NewberyJohn Newbery (1713–1767) died. He is revered as the “Father of Children’s Literature”.
- Historical significance: Newbery was the first in history to…Children’s booksAs a publisher at the heart of his publishing business, he published his book in 1744.Beautiful Little Pocket Book-A Little Pretty Pocket-BookIt is widely recognized as the beginning of modern children’s literature.
- heritage: In recognition of his pioneering contributions to children’s literature, the American Library Association (ALA) established the world’s first children’s literature award in 1922.Newbery MedalThis is also one of the most influential children’s literature awards in the world.
| Death John Newbery | John Newbery (Wikipedia) |



⚰️ December 22, 1943 – Died: Beatrix Potter
British author, illustrator, and natural scientistBeatrix Potter(Beatrix Potter, 1866–1943) died.
- Important works and contributions:
- She created the world’s most famous rabbit—Peter RabbitHer “Peter Rabbit World” series (23 books in total) is a timeless classic of children’s literature.
- Representative works: include“The Story of Peter Rabbit-The Tale of Peter Rabbit(1902),The Story of Jeremy the Fisherman-The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher)and“The Story of Jemima Puddle-Duck-The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck).
- style: Her works are characterized by exquisite precisionWatercolor illustrationKnown for its humorous yet wild animal stories, it is included in “1001 Children’s Books”.
| Death Beatrix Potter | Beatrix Potter (Wikipedia) |




🎂 Born: December 22, 1939 Jerry Pinckney
American illustratorJerry PinckneyJerry Pinkney (1939–2021) was born. He was a master in the American picture book industry, known for his delicate and vibrant works.Watercolor paintingKnown for its style, it is dedicated to showcasing African American culture and legends.
- Highest Honor: He isCaldecott MedalA legendary regular, who won a total of 1 gold medal and 5 silver medals:
- Caldecott Medal: 《The Lion and the Mouse-The Lion & the Mouse(2010, Wordless Book).
- Caldecott Honor:
- 《Milandi and Brother Feng-Mirandy and Brother Wind(1989).
- 《Talking Egg-The Talking Eggs(1990).
- 《John Henry-John Henry(1995).
- 《Ugly Duckling-The Ugly Duckling(2000).
- 《Noah’s Ark-Noah’s Ark(2003).
- Lifetime Achievement: He also won 2016 Children’s Literature Heritage Award (CLLA) and 2014 Eric Carle Honorary Artist Award.
| born Jerry Pinkney Jerry Pinkney (Wikipedia) |


⚰️ December 22, 1974 – Died: Sterling North
American writersSterling North(Sterling North, 1906–1974) died.
- Important works and achievements:
- Newbery Honor: His memoir novelNaughty Little Raccoon-Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era(Published in 1963) won awards 1964 Newbery Silver Medal.
- content: The story recounts the author’s heartwarming childhood experience of raising a raccoon in Wisconsin, and was later adapted into a Disney movie and a Japanese anime (“Little Raccoon”), which became a sensation.
| Death Sterling North | Sterling North (Wikipedia) |


🎂 Born: December 22, 1952 Mick Inkpan
British writer and illustratorMick Inkpan(Mick Inkpen) was born.
- Important works and contributions:
- His most famous creation isChip the puppy(Kipper the Dog).
- Representative works: 《I am Chip-KipperThe picture book series is loved by young children for its simple style and gentle humor. It has not only been adapted into an animated film, but has also been included in “1001 Children’s Books”.
| born Mick Inkpen | Mick Inkpen (Wikipedia) |

⚰️ December 22, 2018 — Passed away: Jane Langton
American writersJane LangtonJane Langton (1922–2018) died.
- Important works and achievements:
- Newbery Honor: Her fantasy novelGeorge Who Wants to Fly-The Fledgling(Published in 1980) won awards 1982 Newbery Silver Medal.
- content: It is part of the famous “Hall Family” chronicle series, which tells the story of a little girl who believes she can fly and her encounter with a goose.
| Death Jane Langton | Jane Langton (Wikipedia) |

🎂 December 22, 1911 – Birth: Henry Teresa
British poet and historical novelistHenry TeresaHenry Treece (1911–1966) was born.
- Important works and contributions:
- He is good at creating works based onViking AgeandRoman BritainA children’s historical novel set against a backdrop of historical events.
- Representative works: 《Dawn of the Vikings-Viking’s Dawn(Published in 1955) is the opening chapter of a classic Viking adventure trilogy and is included in “1001 Children’s Books”.
| born Henry Treece | Henry Treece (Wikipedia) |

🎂 December 22, 1917 – Birth: William O. Steele
American writersWilliam O. SteeleWilliam O. Steele (1917–1979) was born. He is best known for his historical novels about the American frontier.
- Important works and achievements:
- Newbery Honor: His novelDangerous road-The Perilous Road(Published in 1958) won awards 1959 Newbery Silver MedalSet against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the book explores the complexities of war and the bonds of brotherhood.
| born | William O. Steele | William O. Steele (Wikipedia) |
