Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Jack O'Brien Prelutsky is widely recognized by his given name, Jack Prelutsky.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 8, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on October 11, 2021, at the age of 81.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jack Prelutsky is an American poet, author, and children's book writer. His work has been translated into numerous languages, making him a beloved figure globally.
Early Life
Growing up in Brooklyn and later moving to Los Angeles with his family, Prelutsky developed a passion for words and stories at a young age. He was especially drawn to poetry, which would become the foundation of his writing career. The experiences and observations from his childhood had a profound impact on his work, reflecting the whimsy and wonder that defined his perspective.
Major Accomplishments
Prelutsky's success as a children's poet is marked by numerous awards and accolades. His collections have received multiple New York Times Best Books of the Year citations, including "The New Kid on the Block" (1984) and "A Pizza the Size of the Sun" (1996). These books not only showcased his unique voice but also connected with readers worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Jack Prelutsky include:
"The New Kid on the Block" (1984): A collection that explores themes of friendship and belonging.
"A Pizza the Size of the Sun" (1996): A book that combines humor with poignant observations about growing up.
* "Something Big Has Been Here" (2001): A collection that delves into the joys and struggles of childhood.
Prelutsky's contributions extend beyond his written works. He served as the U.S. Children's Poet Laureate from 2006 to 2008, using this platform to advocate for literacy and poetry in education.
Impact and Legacy
Jack Prelutsky's influence on children's literature is profound. His ability to tap into the complexities of childhood emotions has made his work relatable and accessible to readers across cultures. Through his writings, he not only entertained but also provided a mirror to reflect the hopes, fears, and experiences of young minds.
Prelutsky's impact extends beyond the literary world as well. His commitment to poetry in education has inspired a new generation of writers and readers, underscoring the importance of creative expression in personal growth.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jack Prelutsky is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the essence of childhood through his poetic lens. His works offer a unique blend of humor, empathy, and understanding that has resonated with readers of all ages.
Quotes by Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky's insights on:
Poetry seems to sink into us the way prose doesn’t. I can still quote verses I learned when I was very young, but I have trouble remembering one line of a novel I just finished reading.
After I’d produced about two dozen pen and ink drawings, one evening I decided that they needed poems to accompany them. I still have no idea where that notion came from, but it took me about two hours to produce verses for these creatures.
I’m working now on a collection of Shakespearean sonnets, about 100 of them, that I may publish if anyone’s interested. My take on life is a little different from the bard’s.
I keep a guitar around while writing and will improvise music. I do this for several reasons, such as that it’s fun, and sometimes it helps me with the meter.
There’s not too much difference between writing a picture book and writing a collection of a hundred poems or so, except that the bigger books take a lot longer to do.
I’ve been influenced by poets as diverse as Dylan Thomas, Lewis Carroll, and Edgar Allan Poe.
I invented animals and birds – I had about two dozen. After working on them for six months, I sat down and just for fun wrote two dozen poems to accompany the drawings. It was for no one to every see, but a friend sent me in to an editor.