Illustrators Born in June
See all our Birthday cards here!
June is a month filled with creative brilliance as we celebrate the birthdays of some of the most beloved illustrators in the world! From the whimsical drawings of Richard Scarry to the enchanting storytelling of Maurice Sendak, this talented group of artists has left an indelible mark on children's literature: Peter Spier's intricate illustrations, John Goodall's historic scenes, Ida Rentoul Outhwaite's sweet fairies, and Eric Carle's vibrant collage work have captivated generations of young readers. Harrison Cady's animal illustrations, Chris Van Allsburg's mysterious worlds, Cicely Mary Barker's delicate flower fairies, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's iconic The Little Prince have inspired imagination and sparked a love of art in readers of all ages. Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary illustrators and explore the timeless beauty they have brought to the pages of our favorite books!
Richard Scarry (June 5, 1919 - April 30, 1994) was an immensely talented and influential illustrator whose work continues to captivate young readers around the world! With his distinctive and delightful illustrations, Scarry created vibrant and engaging worlds filled with lovable animal characters. His imaginative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail made his books beloved classics, sparking the imagination of generations of children. Scarry's charming and educational books, such as Richard Scarry's Busy Town and Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, not only entertained but also fostered a love for learning and exploration. His whimsical illustrations have left an indelible mark on children's literature, making Richard Scarry an enduring icon in the world of illustration.
We all know and love Scarry’s Lowly Worm!
The legendary Peter Spier (June 6, 1927 - April 27, 2017) was a master storyteller through his captivating illustrations. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep passion for historical accuracy, Spier transported readers to different worlds and eras with his art. His illustrations burst with vibrant colors and intricate scenes that captured the essence of each story he told. From the heartwarming adventures of Noah's Ark to the inspiring tale of The Star-Spangled Banner, Spier's work left an indelible mark on the world of children's literature. His unique blend of creativity and educational value continues to inspire young minds and ignite a love for art and storytelling!
Can you believe the level of detail in this scene from Spier’s Noah’s Ark (1977)?
John Goodall (June 7, 1908 - June 2, 1996) was a highly regarded artist who made intricate and beautifully detailed illustrations. Goodall was best known for his acclaimed series of wordless picture books, including The Story of a House and The Adventures of Paddy Pork. These books garnered widespread praise and established Goodall as a master storyteller through visuals alone. His illustrations, often set in historical contexts, showcased his remarkable attention to detail and his ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia!
In addition to his children's books, Goodall produced books of Victorian and Edwardian scenes in his preferred medium of watercolor.
Ida Rentoul Outhwaite (June 9, 1888 - June 25, 1960) was an Australian fairy tale legend whose remarkable illustrations captivated generations of readers. With her incredible talent, Outhwaite brought to life enchanting worlds filled with fairies, goblins, and magical creatures. Her illustrations, often inspired by the Australian bushland, showcased intricate details and a sense of wonder that captured the hearts of both children and adults. Her illustrations graced the pages of numerous books, including her own collaborations with authors such as her sister Annie R. Rentoul. Their most famous book is perhaps 1919’s Elves and Fairies.
Outhwaite has long been a Laughing Elephant favorite and we sell many of her sweet whimsical illustrations as greeting cards, art prints, and in a boxed set!
See all Ida Rentoul Outhwaite cards here!
With his wild imagination and mischievous spirit, Maurice Sendak (June 10, 1928 - May 8, 2012) became a beloved storyteller, whisking readers away to extraordinary worlds. His iconic book Where the Wild Things Are introduced us to the rambunctious Max and the wild things who roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth. Sendak's illustrations were like magic on the page, inviting us to explore the depths of our imagination and embrace the wildness within. His timeless artistry continues to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike, reminding us to embrace the wild and wonderful adventures that lie within the pages of a good book.
Happy birthday to Little Bear! From 1957’s Little Bear written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Sendak.
With his vibrant colors and unique collage technique, Eric Carle (June 25, 1929 - May 23, 2021) brought countless stories to life, captivating the hearts of children and adults alike. His most famous creations include the childhood staples, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Carle's artistry was a celebration of nature's wonders, and his use of bold shapes and textures inspired generations of artists. Through his whimsical illustrations, Carle fostered a love of reading and a sense of wonder in young minds around the globe!
We’re a sucker for an illustrated elephant! From Carle’s Do You Want to Be My Friend? (1971)
Harrison Cady (June 17, 1877 - December 9, 1970) was dubbed by the Boston Daily Globe as “the man who dreams bugs.” With his signature style and attention to detail, Cady brought to life the enchanting world of animals and nature. He is best known for his illustrations of Thornton Burgess's beloved animal stories, starting with Old Mother West Wind in 1910. Additionally, he wrote and drew the popular Peter Rabbit comic strip for 28 years! Cady's illustrations captured the imagination of readers young and old, transporting them to a world where animals had personalities and the natural world was alive with wonder. His prolific work earned him a highly regarded place of honor during the Golden Age of Illustration.
Cady’s skill at drawing busy crowd scenes is sure on display in this image!
See A Great Feast as a birthday card here!
Chris Van Allsburg (June 18, 1949) is a contemporary illustrator, known for his imaginative and thought-provoking illustrations that transport readers to extraordinary worlds. His meticulous attention to detail and unique perspective bring his stories to life, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of his audience. From the iconic illustrations in The Polar Express to the enigmatic imagery in Jumanji, Van Allsburg's work pushes the boundaries of imagination and invites readers to embark on extraordinary journeys. His ability to blend realism and fantasy in his illustrations has earned him numerous awards and the admiration of readers worldwide!
From the Caldecott Honor Award Winner The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (1979)
Another fairy-focused illustrator, Cicely Mary Barker (June 28, 1895 - February 16, 1973) left an indelible mark on the world of children's literature with her enchanting artwork and botanical illustrations. With meticulous attention to detail, a keen eye for capturing the beauty of flowers, and a careful study of Pre-Raphaelite artists before her, Barker's illustrations became synonymous with her beloved Flower Fairies. In the lore of that series, wherever a seed sprouts, a Flower Fairy baby is born. Each Flower Fairy lives and sleeps in their chosen flower, plant or tree, and takes care of it as they both grow.
“No need for journeying, Seeking afar: Where there are flowers, there fairies are!” – Cicely Mary Barker
See Fairy Orchestra as a greeting card here!
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (June 29, 1900 - July 31, 1944) was a renowned French writer, poet, and aviator whose artistic impact extends beyond his celebrated literary works. While best known for his iconic novella The Little Prince, Saint-Exupéry was also a talented illustrator. His illustrations, characterized by their whimsical and dreamlike quality, perfectly complemented his poetic storytelling. Through his intricate drawings, Saint-Exupéry brought to life the enchanting characters and imaginative worlds that captivated readers of all ages. His artistic style, infused with a sense of childlike wonder and deep philosophical themes, continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
"My drawing was not a picture of a hat. It was a picture of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant. Then, I drew the inside of the boa constrictor, so that the grownups could see it clearly. They always need to have things explained." -The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, 1943
As we bid farewell to the illustrators born in June, we are reminded of the immense artistic contributions they made and the lasting impact of their works. At Laughing Elephant, we offer a wide range of birthday cards featuring the works of these talented illustrators and more. Browse our collection and add a personal touch to your loved ones' special day, carrying on the tradition of creativity and imagination that these artists have inspired!
