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| Lois Ehlert | |
Lois Ehlert, the author and illustrator "whose cut-and-paste shapes and vibrant hues in books including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom put her among the most popular illustrators of books for preschoolers of the late 20th century," died May 25, the Associated Press reported. She was 86. Ehlert graduated from Milwaukee's Layton School of Art and worked in graphic design before she began illustrating children's books in her 50s, starting with 1987's Growing Vegetable Soup.
"Every book Lois made grew out of her love of folk art, nature, and most importantly color," said Allyn Johnston, the v-p and publisher of S&S Children's Publishing imprint Beach Lane Books who edited 29 of Ehlert's 38 books. "She never took herself too seriously--in fact, her subtle and impish sense of humor was one of her biggest creative strengths. And what she cared about most was inspiring young children to pay attention to the beauty of our world, to make things of their own, and to laugh and have fun while doing it."
In addition to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which has sold more than 12 million copies across all formats, Ehlert's works include Holey Moley; Hands; The Scraps Book; Mice; Ten Little Caterpillars; RRRalph; Lots of Spots; Boo to You!; Leaf Man; Waiting for Wings; Planting a Rainbow; and Color Zoo, which received a Caldecott Honor.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also noted that "Michelangelo painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. That would be too high up for little kids to see, so Milwaukee's Lois Ehlert put her art on the floor leading into the Milwaukee Public Library Central Library's children's room when it was renovated in 1998."
Tributes to Ehlert appeared on social media, some mourning the loss of both her and Eric Carle within days of one another. Author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka posted: "The children's book community lost another icon this week--Lois Ehlert. Her work was unlike anything we had seen before the 1989 publication of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We're used to digital technology now, but her cut paper came well before ubiquity of Photoshop and Illustrator. So many of Ms. Ehlert's books have lined our bookshelves and they will forever be a part of the fabric of our kids' reading lives."
Simon Kids tweeted: "We're so sad to say goodbye to legendary children's book author & illustrator Lois Ehlert, creator of many beloved picture books including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which she illustrated. Lois was just like her art--inventive, colorful, unexpected and funny! We'll miss her so much."
Independent booksellers also paid their respects, including A Likely Story Bookstore, Sykesville, Md. ("We're so sad to say goodbye to two iconic children's authors/illustrators--Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert. Their contributions as authors and illustrators to children's literature will live on through their stories."), Wishing Tree Books, Spokane, Wash. ("Yesterday was a double whammy of heartbreak. Thank you for all the rhymes, colors, stories, inspiration, and joy you brought us over the years, Lois Ehlert. We will miss you.") and Otto Bookstore, Williamsport, Pa. ("Dearest Lois Ehlert, We wish you a rainbow. All thanks and love, Your grateful readers and booksellers. 'A Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows.' ").