Ezra Jack Keats, born Jacob Ezra Katz on March 11, 1916, in New York City, was the son of Polish-born Jewish immigrants. Growing up in poverty, Keats found solace in art from a young age. Despite the challenges he faced, he was able to showcase his talent early on and received recognition for his artwork during his high school years. He won a Scholastic painting contest honor and a school art award, which set the stage for his future success as an illustrator.
After serving in World War II, Keats pursued a career in illustration. He landed a job as an illustrator for The New York Times Book Review and Reader's Digest, where he honed his skills and developed his unique collage style of illustration. It was during this time that he began to experiment with incorporating multicultural characters and themes into his work, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
In 1963, Keats achieved a significant milestone in his career when he won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for his picture book "The Snowy Day." This now-classic book featured his beloved character, Peter, an African-American boy who would go on to star in seven of Keats' books. His other notable works, such as "Whistle for Willie," "Goggles!," "Clementina's Cactus," and "Regards to the Man in the Moon," further solidified his reputation as a trailblazing children's author and illustrator.
Ezra Jack Keats' impact on children's literature continues to be felt to this day. His pioneering use of multicultural characters and themes has paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the genre. His unique collage style of illustration has inspired countless artists and illustrators, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of children's books. Keats' work has stood the test of time, enchanting readers of all ages with his whimsical stories and vibrant illustrations.
Despite facing adversity in his early years, Keats remained devoted to his craft and dedicated to creating meaningful and impactful work. He passed away on May 6, 1983, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and delight readers around the world.