RICHARD SCARRY
Richard McClure Scarry was born on 5th June 1919 in Boston Massachusetts. He was the author and illustrator of over 300 children's books with a total sales of over a 100 million worldwide.
Scarry was raised in a happy home and from 1939 to 1942 he studied art at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts School and then served in the army as an art director.
After the war he worked as a freelance illustrator. His first book, Two Little Miners was published in the Little Golden Book series in 1949. That was followed by five other children's books, published by Simon and Schuster in the same year.
In 1963 he made his breakthrough with 'Richard Scarry's Best World Book Ever' the book, filled with over 1,400 objects identified with labels, sold seven million copies in twelve years.
In 1968 Richard with his wife Patsy and son Huck moved to Switzerland. His books with colourful characters like Mr Frumble, Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm continued to sell in large numbers.
In 1972 the family bought a chalet in Gstaad where Scarry began his studio.
FIVE FACTS ABOUT RICHARD SCARRY:
1. Lowly Worm wasn't meant to be a star but the children loved him so much he brought him back.
2. He collaborated with his wife Patsy on several books.
3. At one time, eight of the 50 best-selling children's books of all time were his.
4. He drew maps for the army.
5. His son, Huck Scarry, picked up where his father left off.
Richard Scarry died at his home in Gstaad, Switzerland on April 30th, 1994.
Email: sharontregenza@gmail.com
