Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com

Remembering Uri Shulevitz: A Luminary of Children’s Literature

Uri Shulevitz, a celebrated Caldecott Medalist, passed away on February 15, just shy of his 90th birthday. He was renowned for his unique ink and watercolor illustrations that often revealed the world through a child’s eyes, drawing heavily from his own richly evocative childhood experiences.

Born on February 27, 1935, in Warsaw, Poland, Shulevitz was the son of Abraham and Szandla Shulevitz. His journey as an artist began at the tender age of three, nurtured by the creative environment fostered by his parents. In a 2020 interview with PW, he reflected, “All children draw, but I never stopped. Even before I saw myself as an artist, I do think I had an artist’s intuition.”

The onset of World War II dramatically altered the course of his early life. At just four years old, Shulevitz lived through the harrowing German invasion of Poland. Recalling the devastation, he once said, “I vividly remember the streets caving in, the buildings burning…” His Jewish family became refugees, enduring a tumultuous exile that spanned eight years across Poland, the Soviet Union, and Germany before finding sanctuary in Paris in 1947. This troubling journey was later encapsulated in his graphic memoir Chance (FSG, 2020), where he noted how drawing helped him cope with the trauma of war: “If I could create such worlds, how could I ever be lonely?”

In Paris, he frequented the book stalls by the Seine, becoming enamored with French comic books. He even collaborated with a classmate to create their own comic, showcasing his budding artistic talent, which garnered attention when he won a drawing competition at just 13 years old.

Shulevitz and his family relocated to Israel in 1949, where he balanced his high school studies with various jobs, ranging from a rubber stamp apprentice to a city hall worker. Determined to pursue his passion for art, he had a group exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art by age 15, marking his breakthrough in the artistic community.

Post-graduation, he studied literature and science at the Teacher’s Institute and honed his artistic skills at the Institute for Israeli Art, alongside private lessons from painter Ezekiel Shtreichman.

His mandatory service in the Israeli Army during the 1956 Sinai War marked another turning point. Upon completion, he joined the Ein Geddi kibbutz, where he lived for a year before moving to New York City at the age of 24 to chase a career in freelance art, simultaneously studying painting at the Brooklyn Museum Art School.

Shulevitz’s first significant work involved strict adherence to guidelines for illustrating Hebrew children’s books. This regimented experience refined his artistic skills, leading him to discover his own unique style. His inaugural book, The Moon in My Room, which he both wrote and illustrated, was published in 1963 and showcased the imagination of a boy whose room comes alive with celestial wonder.

His childhood experiences deeply influenced his body of work, which includes numerous acclaimed picture books. Shulevitz illustrated several stories, notably Arthur Ransome’s rendition of The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, which earned the Caldecott Medal in 1969. He also received three Caldecott Honors for his works The Treasure, Snow, and How I Learned Geography. His contributions to children’s literature were further recognized when he was named a 2024 Carle Honors honoree in the artist category, awarded by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

In total, Shulevitz authored over 40 books for young readers, with a posthumous release scheduled for August. The Sky Was My Blanket: A Young Man’s Journey Across Wartime Europe will delve into the adventures of his uncle Yehiel, a member of both the Spanish Republican Army and the Jewish Resistance in Vichy France.

Michael di Capua, an editor who worked closely with Shulevitz on several projects, remarked on Shulevitz’s innate ability to craft narratives in picture books, underscoring the unique signature qualities of his artistic style. “His books will last,” di Capua stated.

Wesley Adams, Shulevitz’s recent editor at FSG, shared his experiences of long late-night discussions about Shulevitz’s works, highlighting the artist’s commitment to perfecting every detail. “Uri always found ways to make it even better,” Adams noted, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a masterful figure in the literature world.

Margaret Ferguson, who edited many of Shulevitz’s works, reflected on their 40-year relationship, recalling her awe at his early artwork and the profound impact it had on her career in publishing. “In many ways Uri was my mentor but most of all, a dear, dear friend,” she remarked.

Jennifer Schantz, director of the Eric Carle Museum, highlighted Shulevitz’s resilience and imagination, emphasizing the light and hope his stories brought, even stemming from his darkest experiences. His recent accolade as the 2024 Carle Honors Artist served as a testament to his enduring legacy in children’s literature, with many of his works slated for permanent display at the museum.

Aram Kim, an author-illustrator and former designer, reminisced about the transformative experience of collaborating with Shulevitz on Chance. She expressed her admiration for his artistic vision and collaborative spirit, sharing how working with him was among the most rewarding moments of her career.

Plans are underway for a celebration honoring Shulevitz’s remarkable life and contributions to children’s literature, set to occur in the fall.

Source
www.publishersweekly.com