Who’s This Author ?

I was an artist before I became a writer.

These are some of my books after I started writing (when I was old!) First book published Last book published

Did you know that I have won awards? 1969 Newbery Award 1977 Newbery Honor

If you haven’t gotten it yet, read my name at the bottom of this popular book. Yes, that’s it: William Steig!!!!!! ME

Early Life & Career Steig was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 14, 1907 His father, an Austrian immigrant and a house painter by trade, dabbled in fine arts. Steig was inspired by his creative surroundings with an intense interest in painting and was given his first lessons by his older brother, Irwin, who was also a professional artist. Steig began his career more than 50 years ago at the New Yorker as a cartoonist He remains the magazines longest running contributor.

Writing Career Steig was encouraged by a fellow worker to write children’s books starting when he was in his late 50’s!. -- After CDB he then wrote his first illustrated book, Roland the Minstrel Pig --- Both were published in 1968 He was also credited for changing the nature of greeting card industry. -- He along with other creative artist were hired to produce funny cards with a modern twist during the 50’s.

Discussion about William Steig’s award winning books

Caldecott Medal: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, which was only his 3 rd book published (1969). This book remains a classic. CRITIQUES: - A book on many levels. - A story that represents a kind of metaphor for resurrection. - William Steig has a creative gift that makes up for any shortfall in graphic distinction. - Steigs writing style is crisp and his vividly colored cartoons ably depict seasoned changes - A variety of emotions and even a bit of contemporary stature. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was once banned because the police association in some areas thought Steig was calling police pigs.

1977 Honor Challenged by parents because it depicted violent situations, and the talking bone that the main character finds is from a witch. - Could be the best illustrator working today. - The expressions of the pig clearly shows his ability to convey the Transcendent and believable most subtle nuance of emotions. -Steigs precise and inspired language is a miraculous match for his colored filled pictures. CRITIQUES:

Honor - Steig can tell a story with words as well as his pictures. - I would venture to say a great book on any level but beneath all, a fable for our times. -It is the wonderful line and wash drawings which develop further the poignancy of the story. Simple but sly, a mischievously imaginative rendition of the classic theme. This book goes beyond the visual tale of wit versus might: the story achieves comic height partly through the delightful irony of the situations.

Shrek the Movie The original book was published in A movie was made from this book in 1991 and won an Academy Award for best animated featured film. Look

1.C D C ? = 2.E-R I M ! = 3. U F B-D I-S =. Game Time 30 seconds to tell the meaning of the sentence

C D C ? = See the sea? E-R I M ! = Here I am! U F B-D I-S = You have beady eyes. Answers

Steig's recipe? "I enjoyed my childhood," he told Angell in The New Yorker. "I think I like kids more than the average man does. I can relax with them, more than I can among adults... Children are genuine... I like to think that I've kept a little innocence. Probably I'm too dumb to do anything else." Who could say it better? W. Steig died at age 95 on October of 2003.

References Gale Research. (1976). William Steig Children’s Literature Review, Gale Research. (1988). William Steig Children’s Literature Review, Gale Research. (1972). William Steig Something About the Author, Angell, Roger. William Steig, “The New Yorker” Retrieved July 6,2004 from newyorker95.htm.