A well-balanced approach

 “I make money using mybrains and lose money listening to my heart. But in the long run my booksbalance pretty well.” – Kate Seredy

 

Born in Hungary on Nov.10, 1896, Seredy won the prestigious Newbery Medal for best children’s book forThe White Stag, the Newbery Honor (runner-up) twice, and the Caldecott Medalfor Best Children’s Book Illustration for The Christmas Anna Angel.  She also won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Awardfor The White Stag.  

 

After growing up inHungary and spending time in Paris, especially during World War I, Seredyemigrated to the U.S., ran a children’s bookshop and started her career as achildren’s book illustrator.  Encouraged by editor May Massee towrite down bits and pieces of her “growing up” years, she wrote the children’snovel The Good Master, published in 1936 and winner of a NewberyHonor for best book.

 

She wrote 12 children's books and illustrated dozens more, dedicating her last book, Lazy Tinka, toMassee.  Seredy’s papers and illustrations are mostly part of the MayMassee Collection at Emporia State University and I had a chance to see themwhen I spoke to writing classes and then presented as part of the ESU Writers’Series.  It’s a wonderful collection andI highly recommend visiting the school to view it.

 

“For yesterday and forall tomorrows,” she said, “we dance the best we know.”