Jerry Pinkney
Jerry Pinkney
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Jerry Pinkney was born as Jerry Nelson Pinkney on August 1, 1949.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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August 1, 1949 - October 28, 2020.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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American. Illustrator, author, and educator.
Early Life and Background
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Jerry Pinkney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a family of modest means, he developed an interest in art at a young age. Pinkney's mother encouraged his creative pursuits by providing him with materials to draw and paint. He attended the Philadelphia Technical Institute, where he studied illustration.
#### Influences and Inspiration
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Pinkney has cited various influences on his work, including African American culture, folklore, and mythology. His illustrations often reflect a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of Black people in America.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his illustrious career, Pinkney earned numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to children's literature.
He won five Caldecott Honors and was awarded three Caldecott Medals.
His illustrations have been featured on the covers of The New Yorker, Time magazine, and other prominent publications.
In 2007, he received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) in recognition of his substantial contributions to children's literature.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works include:
Puss in Boots (1982), a retelling of the classic fairy tale.
Don't You Turn Back, Dream (1999), an adaptation of a traditional African American folktale.
The Story of MLK and Coretta Scott King (2011), a tribute to the civil rights leaders.
Impact and Legacy
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Jerry Pinkney's work has left an indelible mark on children's literature. His commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in storytelling has inspired countless readers and creators.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Pinkney's dedication to celebrating the richness of African American culture through his illustrations has earned him a lasting place in the world of children's literature.
Quotes by Jerry Pinkney
I try not to respond with a pep talk, such as, “Everyone has talent, just try, you’ll see.” I skirt those kinds of answers.
I never demonstrate how art should be made or what the outcome should look like. Instead, give kids the tools and the materials to make their own art. Have them experience the process.
I visited the Museum of Modern Art and viewed the exhibition of Picasso’s sculptures, and I couldn’t help but think about what it would be like to have a room full of school children explore Picasso’s approach to making art.
If I were to give myself a pat on the back, it would be for sticking with bookmaking as my primary way of expressing myself over the span of fifty years.
I’ve always felt that if I worked hard enough and continued to refine my craft, while staying curious about our times and our world, I just might have something to contribute.
A sense of community has always been important to me. I understood very early that I could not grow as an artist or as a person without being connected to institutions and clients that served the community.
Receiving both the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award suggests I have succeeded, at least in terms of my own goals, in my intent to make art that moves children.
I want kids to understand that making pictures is similar to making music; there are so many instruments and so many tunes that the possibilities for how you play are truly limitless.
