ezra jack keats by: morgan cottrell and jennifer wagoner

Ezra Jack Keats

BY: Morgan Cottrell and Jennifer Wagoner

Biographical Information

O Birth Name: Jacob Ezra KatzO Birth Date: March 11th 1916 in America

O Marriage: Not Married

O Family: Parents were Benjamin Katz and Augusta Podgainy (Polish Jews)

O Education: He won several different scholarships to Art Schools, but never got to attend. However, he did take art classes at night when he could.

O Work: Mural Painter, Comic Book Illustrator, In 1942 he illustrated backgrounds for Captain Marvel Comic Strips, and in 1945 he did work for the US Air Corp

Author HighlightsO He changed his name 2 years after

WWII.O He wrote his first children’s book in

1960.O In 1962 he created the character of

Peter.O In 1963 he won the Caldecott Medal.

Publications and Awards

O The Snowy Day –The Caldecott Medal in 1963O Goggles – The Caldecott Honor Award in 1977O The Trip – Children’s Choice Award in 1977O Peter’s ChairO Louie - Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the

Year in 1975O Maggie and the PirateO A Letter to Amy -Child Study Association of America’s Children’s

Books of the Year in 1975O Apt. 3 – School Library Journal’s Best Books in 1971O Pet Show -Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of

the Year in 1972O Hi, Cat! - Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the

Year in 1970

Major Work #1

O The Snowy Day O Published in 1962O Won The Caldecott Medal in 1963O New York Public Library 150 Most Influential

Books of the 20th Century in 1996O SUMMARY- A small boy named Peter

experiences the joy of a snowy day.

Major Work #2

O The TripO Published in 1978O Won Children’s Choice Award in 1977O SUMMARY- When his family moves to a new

neighborhood, Louie has to leave his friends behind. Sad and lonely, Louie creates a city scene inside a shoe box. The tiny diorama has a magical effect, sending his imagination back to old friends and old times. Then the spell ends, and a real-life adventure begins as Louie joins some new friends for Halloween night.

Major Work #3

O GogglesO Published in 1969O Won the Caldecott Honor in 1970O SUMMARY- Peter has found a rare treasure, a pair of

old, beat-up motorcycle goggles. He and his best friend Archie are on their way to Archie’s front stoop with their prize when they run into a neighborhood gang that wants those goggles, too. What the bullies don’t understand is how hard it is to catch two smart boys and one crafty dog.