Good morning/afternoon/night, friends!
There’s a new number of The Attic ready for you: this month we discover the work of one of the earliest picture book illustrators to include children of many races in her work, a fun ad, a 1969 calendar, a silly cute short with a catchy song, and a picture book about mommies! 🌞
An illustrator: Gyo Fujikawa
Gyo Fujikawa (1908 – 1998) was a children picture book writer and illustrator born in Berkeley, California.
Fujikawa is recognized for being the earliest mainstream illustrator of picture books to include children of many races in her work, before it became common to do so.
In 1951 Fujikawa became a full-time freelancer, producing more than 80 front-cover illustrations for publications such as Children’s Digest.
It wasn’t until 1957 that she got her fist children’s book published, it was Robert Louis Stevenson’s “A Child’s Garden of Verses” and it was a big success. Which lead to Fujikawa becoming one of the first artists to contract for Royalty payment, refusing to perform work unless her publisher agreed to pay her royalties.
In illustrating for children, what I relish most is trying to satisfy the constant question in the back of my mind–will this picture capture a child’s imagination? What can I do to enhance it further? Does it help to tell a story?
I instantly felt a connection with Fujikawa’s illustrations. They are so beautifully done, so round and cute I just want to hug them. I would have adored these as a kid! 🙂
An ad: Maille
A Calendar: Röltex
A short: Outlaws
1956 – The Boing Boing Show: Outlaws
Loved this short, the characters and overall look and that silly catchy little tune!
A book: Mommies
I couldn’t find any more works by Leslie Jacobs, which is a bit sad because I really loved the look of these illos, but I’m sure she had a lot of fun making them.
Now, this issue has come to an end and I really hope you found it inspiring! 🌞
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