Ellen Raskin
(author, illustrator, designer)
"I try to say one thing with my work: A book is a wonderful place to be. A book is a package, a gift package, a surprise package-- and within the wrappings is a whole new world and beyond." ---Ellen Raskin
Biographical Information
Ellen Raskin was
born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 13, 1928. Ellen began creating
stories as a child during the Great Depression.
" As far back as I can remember, I invented characters. My sister and I would spend weeks at a time acting out the lives of at least ten characters each..."
Ellen Raskin attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison at age 17 with the plan of majoring in journalism. But shortly later she changed her major to fine arts and received a disciplined education in the fundamentals of anatomy, perspective, light and shade, color, and techniques of painting sculpture. Raskin desired to change her major after attending a major exhibition at the Chicago Art Institute.
Ellen began a free-lance career as a commercial artist. She felt style and technique were important, but even more important was to find the idea, the one graphic symbol which would best convey the message. Raskin illustrated for The Saturday Evening Post, pharmaceutical house journals, and book publishers. Ellen illustrated and designed over 1000 book jackets, including the original jacket for A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
After fifteen years of illustrating other author's work Ellen decided to create a picture book of her own which was, Nothing Ever Happens on My Block. Raskin gradually started turning down jobs to illustrate other author's books and decided to focus on her own books.
" As far back as I can remember, I invented characters. My sister and I would spend weeks at a time acting out the lives of at least ten characters each..."
Ellen Raskin attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison at age 17 with the plan of majoring in journalism. But shortly later she changed her major to fine arts and received a disciplined education in the fundamentals of anatomy, perspective, light and shade, color, and techniques of painting sculpture. Raskin desired to change her major after attending a major exhibition at the Chicago Art Institute.
Ellen began a free-lance career as a commercial artist. She felt style and technique were important, but even more important was to find the idea, the one graphic symbol which would best convey the message. Raskin illustrated for The Saturday Evening Post, pharmaceutical house journals, and book publishers. Ellen illustrated and designed over 1000 book jackets, including the original jacket for A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
After fifteen years of illustrating other author's work Ellen decided to create a picture book of her own which was, Nothing Ever Happens on My Block. Raskin gradually started turning down jobs to illustrate other author's books and decided to focus on her own books.
Ellen Raskin's Style
Ellen's own books began
to represent her own style. Each one of her books seemed to contain
problem-solving for her, and often, for the reader as well. Almost
all of her picture books and novels develop some aspect of the theme that
things are not always what they first appear to be. Ellen's creative
process was always guided by her respect for children and her appreciation
for fine bookmaking. The books she has designed, wrote, and illustrated
have continued to take young readers to a whole new world...and beyond.
Books Written and Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
1. The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel)
Ellen Raskin / Viking Pr / April 1989
2. The Westing Game
Ellen Raskin / E P Dutton / November 1989
3. Figgs and Phantoms
Ellen Raskin / Viking Pr / April 1989
5. Piping Down the Valleys Wild : Poetry for the Young of All Ages
Nancy Larrick(Editor), Ellen Raskin (Illustrator) / Yearling Books / May 11, 1999
4. Who, Said Sue, Said Whoo?
Ellen Raskin / Atheneum / July 1976
5. A Paper Zoo : A Collection of Animal Poems by Modern American Poets
Renee Karol Weiss, Ellen Raskin (Illustrator) / Atheneum / March 1987
My Opinion
I feel that Ellen Raskin is a very talented writer and illustrator. I suggest you take a look at some of her books and illustrations. One that I really recommend is The Westing Game. This book leaves the reader guessing the ending the whole time. I never wanted to put it down. Do not take my word for this though, pick up a copy of the book yourself.
For more information on Ellen Raskin look at these great websites!
Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators
Educational Paperback Association
Hall Kids Illustrators
The Westing Heirs
Children's Authors and Illustrators
Book Reviews
