Illustrator Paul Zelinsky
by Tom Keener
Caldecott Medal winner Paul Zelinsky visits with Allen Public Library patrons at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15. In 1998, Zelinsky received the highly revered Caldecott for his illustrated retelling of Rapunzel, as well as Caldecott Honors for his books Hansel and Gretel (1985), Rumpelstiltskin (1987), and Swamp Angel (1995).
Sponsored by Bach to Books and Storyopolis Entertainment, this program is free.
As a sophomore at Yale, Zelinsky studied under the legendary Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are (1964). Although Zelinsky had been drawing since childhood, he considers this experience his defining inspiration to pursue children’s book illustrating.
Known for the extraordinary richness of his artwork, it is Zelinsky’s willingness to risk and experiment that results in his reputation for versatility. He does not feel his work represents a specific style and does not want to be known for a certain style. "I want the pictures to speak in the same voice as the words,” he explains. “This desire has led me to try various kinds of drawings in different books. I have used quite a wide stretch of styles, and I'm fortunate to have been asked to illustrate such a range of stories.” Sally Holmes Holtze commented in School Library Journal that "Zelinsky uses line, space and color in a unique way."
Like many beginning illustrators, the young Zelinsky carried his portfolio to numerous publishers and faced rejection after rejection. Then, in 1979, Pantheon thought of him when an illustrator for Emily Upham's Revenge was needed. This success his was followed by illustrations for How I Hunted the Little Fellows, a Russian story set in the 1890s. In 1981, The Maid and the Mouse became Zelinsky’s first book in full color and the New York Times and School Library Journal awarded it as Best Illustrated Book. Zelinsky cites these early career experiences as examples of the need for discipline and perseverance to succeed.
A native of Illinois, Zelinsky lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York. They have two grown daughters.
Storyopolis Entertainment will have books available for purchase and Zelinsky will autograph and personally inscribe them after his discussion.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. For more information, call 214-509-4911.
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