Lane Smith
Introduction:
Lane Smith was an American author and illustrator of children’s books. He was born on August 25, 1959, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in California. Smith was known for his unique and quirky illustrations that often featured anthropomorphic animals and whimsical scenes. He passed away on June 28, 2013, at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of award-winning books that continue to inspire children and adults alike.
Education:
Lane Smith studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he earned a degree in illustration. After graduation, he worked as an art director for various advertising agencies before focusing on writing and illustrating children’s books.
Career:
Smith began his career in children’s literature in 1989, with the publication of his first book, “The Happy Hocky Family.” This book, which he wrote and illustrated, featured a dysfunctional family of anthropomorphic animals that were based on his own childhood memories. The book was well-received, and Smith went on to write and illustrate many more books over the course of his career.
One of Smith’s most well-known books is “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” which he co-wrote with Jon Scieszka. This book, which was published in 1992, is a collection of parodies of classic fairy tales that feature irreverent humor and unconventional storytelling. The book won numerous awards, including a Caldecott Honor, and has become a beloved classic of children’s literature.
Smith went on to write and illustrate many more books over the years, including “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs,” “Grandpa Green,” and “It’s a Book.” His illustrations were often described as whimsical and quirky, and he was known for his use of bright colors and bold lines. He was also praised for his ability to convey complex emotions through his illustrations, particularly in books like “Grandpa Green,” which tells the story of a grandfather’s life through the art of topiary.
Achievements:
Over the course of his career, Lane Smith won numerous awards and accolades for his work in children’s literature. In addition to the Caldecott Honor he received for “The Stinky Cheese Man,” he also won a Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.” He was also a two-time winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award, for “John, Paul, George & Ben” and “Grandpa Green.”
Smith’s books were praised for their humor, creativity, and ability to engage young readers. Many of his books, such as “The Stinky Cheese Man,” have become classics of children’s literature and continue to be enjoyed by generations of young readers.
Tragedy:
Despite his many accomplishments, Lane Smith’s life was not without tragedy. In 2009, his wife, Molly Leach, passed away from cancer at the age of 49. Smith later wrote about his grief in his book “A Perfect Day,” which tells the story of a young girl and her grandfather coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.
Smith himself was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and passed away the following year, at the age of 53. His passing was mourned by many in the children’s literature community, who remembered him as a talented and innovative artist who had left an indelible mark on the world of children’s literature.
Legacy:
Despite his untimely passing, Lane Smith’s legacy lives on through his books and the many children and adults who continue to be inspired by his work. His books are beloved for their humor, creativity, and ability to engage young readers, and his illustrations continue to be