Perhaps you have heard of the American illustrator Virginia Lee Burton (1909-1968). She is best known for her popular 1939 book, "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel", the story of a steam shovel operator and his faithful steam shovel Mary Anne.
"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel"
I recently discovered her biography, "Virginia Lee Burton, A Life in Art", an excellent read with lots of great photos and images of her work. The book details her life from her beginnings as a dancer, to her successful career as a children's book illustrator and textile designer. In addition to all this she raised a family, taught design, and even founded a textile printing collective!
a design demo for her students
a textile design from the Folly Cove Collective
Burton exercised care in every element of her work. She firmly believed in good design and well crafted work, carefully making sure her books were not only well drawn, but graphically dynamic as well. When writing her stories she made sure children enjoyed them before she finished them, revising the stories many times over to suit her audience. The result of her commitment resulted in numerous wonderful books, so loved that they have yet to go out of print.
"Calico the Wonder Horse"
Strangely enough, I never read any of Burton's books as a child. What I do remember is a short animated Disney film about a little house. In fact, this film is the single root of my fondness for little houses. It turns out this film is directly based on her 1942 Caldecott Medal winning book, "The Little House", the story of a sweet little house in the country which over time becomes crowded and forlorn amongst the ever expanding urban sprawl. In the end the house is moved to the country and finds happiness again.
Apparently Burton was somewhat disappointed by Disney's interpretation, but the essence of the story shone through.
