BY: Morgan Cottrell and Jennifer Wagoner Ezra Jack Keats BY: Morgan Cottrell and Jennifer Wagoner

Biographical Information Birth Name: Jacob Ezra Katz Birth Date: March 11th 1916 in America Marriage: Not Married Family: Parents were Benjamin Katz and Augusta Podgainy (Polish Jews) Education: He won several different scholarships to Art Schools, but never got to attend. However, he did take art classes at night when he could. Work: Mural Painter, Comic Book Illustrator, In 1942 he illustrated backgrounds for Captain Marvel Comic Strips, and in 1945 he did work for the US Air Corp

Author Highlights He changed his name 2 years after WWII. He wrote his first children’s book in 1960. In 1962 he created the character of Peter. In 1963 he won the Caldecott Medal.

Publications and Awards The Snowy Day –The Caldecott Medal in 1963 Goggles – The Caldecott Honor Award in 1977 The Trip – Children’s Choice Award in 1977 Peter’s Chair Louie - Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the Year in 1975 Maggie and the Pirate A Letter to Amy -Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the Year in 1975 Apt. 3 – School Library Journal’s Best Books in 1971 Pet Show -Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the Year in 1972 Hi, Cat! - Child Study Association of America’s Children’s Books of the Year in 1970

Major Work #1 The Snowy Day Published in 1962 Won The Caldecott Medal in 1963 New York Public Library 150 Most Influential Books of the 20th Century in 1996 SUMMARY- A small boy named Peter experiences the joy of a snowy day.

Major Work #2 The Trip Published in 1978 Won Children’s Choice Award in 1977 SUMMARY- When his family moves to a new neighborhood, Louie has to leave his friends behind. Sad and lonely, Louie creates a city scene inside a shoe box. The tiny diorama has a magical effect, sending his imagination back to old friends and old times. Then the spell ends, and a real-life adventure begins as Louie joins some new friends for Halloween night.

Major Work #3 Goggles Published in 1969 Won the Caldecott Honor in 1970 SUMMARY- Peter has found a rare treasure, a pair of old, beat-up motorcycle goggles. He and his best friend Archie are on their way to Archie’s front stoop with their prize when they run into a neighborhood gang that wants those goggles, too. What the bullies don’t understand is how hard it is to catch two smart boys and one crafty dog.