Peter Sís
Peter Sís
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Peter Sís is a Czech-born American author, illustrator, and filmmaker known for his work in children's literature and animation.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 29, 1943, Peter Sís is still active in the creative industry. His birthplace was Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic).
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Peter Sís holds dual citizenship of the United States and the Czech Republic. He has worked as an author, illustrator, and filmmaker.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of artists in post-war Prague, Sís was exposed to various art forms from an early age. His father, Jindřich Sís, was a stage designer and set painter for the National Theatre, while his mother, Jiřina Sís, was an opera singer.
Major Accomplishments
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- Pulitzer Prize: In 2000, Peter Sís won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for his book _The Wall: The People's Story of Hitler's Death in the Words of the Survivors_.
- Caldecott Honor: He has received multiple Caldecott Honors for his picture books, including _Madlenka_, _The Three Golden Keys_, and _Sam, the Minuteman_.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Peter Sís's notable works include:
_The Wall: The People's Story of Hitler's Death in the Words of the Survivors_
_Man Grew Wings_ (a novel for young adults)
* _Journey_ (an animated film exploring the life of a young boy)
Sís has also worked as a children's book editor and has taught illustration at various institutions.
Impact and Legacy
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Peter Sís is widely recognized for his contributions to children's literature. His unique storytelling style, which blends history, fantasy, and personal experience, has captivated readers worldwide.
His Pulitzer Prize-winning book _The Wall_ humanized the victims of World War II, raising awareness about the tragic events that took place during this period.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Peter Sís's work is not only celebrated for its artistic merit but also for its ability to educate and inspire readers. His commitment to storytelling has left a lasting impact on the world of children's literature, making him a beloved figure in his field.
Quotes by Peter Sís
When I was about 12 or 13, my father gave me 'The Little Prince.' He was making sure that I knew it was a special book. I'd seen the name of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, but to me it seemed a very French name, and I was not excited about him as a person.
When I do my own books, I take it as more of my own confessional, but when I illustrate for other people, it is intriguing because I feel like I shouldn't be stepping too much into the limelight. It's like playing the piano while someone else is singing.
Ursula Nordstrom was famous for finding artists in unlikely places. Maurice Sendak was a window designer, and she just came across one of his windows. Everyone was looking to find a talent.
The birds never needed passports... We always thought, the birds can go wherever they want, and we couldn't, really. The birds were very much the symbol of... free movement for me.
People think children's books are about teddy bears and little flowers. I realize people sometimes don't know what to do with my books because they say, 'Is it a children's book, and what age group?'
If I would use anything from 'The Little Prince,' even some little quote, it's all copyrighted in France. Like Walt Disney in this country, it's a national treasure.
I'm a visual person, so it always starts with a picture, and then I get obsessed with the idea, sometimes too much. I have these blank books in which I take notes, and I add postcards and other physical items.
I didn't understand in the beginning that the editor didn't want me to know the author. I'd make an effort to meet the author, but it would end up being a disaster because then I had the author telling me what I should be doing.
I am afraid that people will think I re-illustrated 'The Little Prince,' when really, it was more a tribute to him as a dedicated pilot and a man who believed in the goodness of people.
