William Pène du Bois, American author and illustrator (b. 1916)

William Sherman Pène du Bois (May 9, 1916 – February 5, 1993) was an eminent American writer and illustrator whose profound contributions shaped the landscape of literature for young readers. Renowned for his imaginative storytelling and distinctive artistic style, Pène du Bois left an indelible mark on children's publishing, earning prestigious accolades and captivating generations of readers with his whimsical narratives and detailed illustrations.

A Celebrated Author: The Newbery Medal for The Twenty-One Balloons

Pène du Bois is perhaps most celebrated for his remarkable novel, The Twenty-One Balloons, a captivating work published in April 1947 by Viking Press. This adventurous tale, which blends elements of science fiction, exploration, and utopian ideals, quickly garnered critical acclaim for its inventive plot and imaginative world-building. Its success culminated in Pène du Bois being awarded the highly esteemed 1948 Newbery Medal. The Newbery Medal, presented annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), recognizes the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, underscoring The Twenty-One Balloons's lasting impact and literary merit.

Illustrative Prowess: Caldecott Honors and Artistic Legacy

Beyond his celebrated writing, William Pène du Bois was an exceptionally talented illustrator, often creating the artwork for his own books. His unique illustrative style, characterized by intricate detail and a charmingly whimsical quality, earned him significant recognition. He was a two-time recipient of the Caldecott Honor, a distinction awarded to particularly distinguished American picture books. His Caldecott Honor books include:

• Bear Party (1952 Caldecott Honor): A delightful story, both written and illustrated by Pène du Bois, about a koala bear's creative solution to a community problem.
• Lion (1957 Caldecott Honor): Another masterpiece he both authored and illustrated, featuring a whimsical exploration of an unconventional, winged lion.

These honors underscore his dual talent as both a compelling storyteller and a masterful visual artist, cementing his place among the most influential creators of children's picture books.

A Literary Figure Beyond Children's Literature: The Paris Review

William Pène du Bois's multifaceted career extended beyond the realm of children's literature into the broader literary world. From 1953 to 1960, he served as the influential art editor of The Paris Review, a globally renowned literary magazine co-founded by George Plimpton. In this pivotal role, Pène du Bois worked closely alongside Plimpton, contributing significantly to the magazine's distinctive visual identity and aesthetic. His tenure at The Paris Review highlights his versatile artistic and editorial skills, showcasing his involvement in shaping one of the most prestigious literary publications of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Pène du Bois

What is the Newbery Medal awarded for?

The Newbery Medal is an annual literary award presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the preceding year. It is one of the highest honors for children's literature in the United States.

Which of William Pène du Bois's books won the Newbery Medal?

William Pène du Bois won the 1948 Newbery Medal for his inventive adventure novel, The Twenty-One Balloons, published in 1947.

What are the Caldecott Honors and which books by Pène du Bois received them?

The Caldecott Honor is a recognition given to distinguished American picture books for children, runner-up to the annual Caldecott Medal. William Pène du Bois received two Caldecott Honors for books he both wrote and illustrated: Bear Party (1952) and Lion (1957).

What was William Pène du Bois's role at The Paris Review?

From 1953 to 1960, William Pène du Bois served as the art editor for The Paris Review, a highly influential literary magazine. In this capacity, he collaborated with founder George Plimpton, helping to define the magazine's visual design and artistic direction.