Invisible Genius

A revisionist look at the role of female picture book authors

Double spread illustration by Wanda Gág.

Since the beginning of picture book history, women have played a vital role. Beatrix Potter arguably created the first modern picture book, Kate Greenaway shaped a new visual representation of childhood, Wanda Gág changed the way images are displayed on the page, and Ruth Krauss and Margaret Wise Brown redefined how we write for children. To mention just a few.

But the gatekeepers have not always agreed with this leading part. I will share some snapshots from the past and present.

She tells the stories, and we sign the book

In this 1857 edition of the Grimm Tales, there is a portrait of Dorothea as the “fairy lady”, but no mention of her name or any credit.

Although they were not picture book authors, I’ll start with the Brothers Grimm, best known for tales like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel. Contrary to popular belief, the Grimms didn’t collect those stories from peasants in the countryside. Instead, they depended on educated women who shared their own refined versions of the popular tales. Dorothea Viehmann was one of these women and told them more than 40 print-ready stories that the Grimms just transcribed.

Beatrix Potter is not in the medal

The first edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was self-published by Beatrix Potter in 1901.

The top American award for picture books is named after skillful illustrator Randolph Caldecott. But his works were not picture books, but illustrated stories – and have been out of print for decades. His contemporary, Beatrix Potter, was a pioneer of the picture book genre. She created complex characters, told her stories through pictures and words, and self-published her books after multiple rejections. She has sold over 250 million copies of her books worldwide.

The Sad Story of Babar

The final cover of the Babar first book and the title page of the first dummy from the Morgan Library Collection, where Cecile’s name was included.

Jean de Brunhoff is well known as the creator of the Babar books. What few people realize is that it started as a bedtime story invented by Cécile de Brunhoff for their children. The boys convinced Jean to illustrate it, and it was published as a book in 1931. Although Jean wanted to give credit to Cécile, she asked for her name to be removed, feeling her contribution wasn't important. What a shame!

The curious case of Curious George

Although Margret later realized the injustice and asked for her name to be credited, she still doesn’t appear on the cover of this 2022 edition.

Curious George is one of the most popular children’s book series published in America. It was written and illustrated by Margret Rey and her husband, H. A. Rey, in 1941. Despite her co-authorship, Margret Rey was uncredited on these early copies, as the publisher reportedly believed children’s literature was too heavily dominated by women.

Worth the fight

The first edition of A Hole is to Dig with both names on the cover.

In 1951, author Ruth Krauss wrote the innovative text for A Hole is to Dig. When Harper was preparing the book for publication, they intended to put only illustrator Maurice Sendak’s name on the cover. Krauss, a smart and relentless woman, insisted that her name also appeared on the book cover. The publisher eventually surrendered.

Even JK Rowling

More than 50 years later, there are some areas of children’s literature where most seats are silently reserved for male authors. In a later interview, JK Rowling revealed she used initials instead of her full name because her publishers were trying to “disguise” the fact that she was a woman so her book would sell more copies.

Today’s puzzle

During my research, I came across a controversial post by Emma Walton wondering why most people in power—those who publish, buy, sell, review, or advocate for children’s books—are now women, yet the most well-known, bestselling, award-winning authors tend to be male. She offers several possible explanations. I’d like to hear your thoughts if you get to this part of the post.

What if we ask AI?

Even when I ask AI about the best picture book authors from the mid to late century, the answer gives me 11 men and only 3 women. There aren’t many things I’m sure of, but I’m certain this answer is very wrong. How about Pat Hutchins, Kay Thompson, Ellen Raskin, Lois Ehlert, Evaline Ness, Babette Cole…? The list goes on.

Picture Book Club

We’ll be having our final Picture Book Club meeting of the year this Monday, November 3rd. Join us to talk about some of the picture books showing at The Original Art Annual Exhibition in New York.

The Smushkins are coming!

Mark your calendars! We’ll be having the Meet the Smushkins launch at Sullaluna Bookshop on December 1st at 6:30 PM. I would love to see you there if you are in New York, and I will send you more info very soon. You can pre-order the book here.