Jan Wahl, "whose award-winning books for children were read and read again, silently and aloud, starting with his first in 1964, Pleasant Fieldmouse," died January 29, the Toledo Blade reported. He was 87. That first published work featured illustrations by Maurice Sendak, and was followed by more than 100 books, including works illustrated by Norman Rockwell, Edward Gorey, Lee Lorenz and Wil Clay.
"For me, when reading his work, his words also painted an illustration of the book itself," said Benjamin Sapp, director of the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, which features art from children's picture books. "The idea that he was in our own state of Ohio--just a wealth of knowledge and information. I just love his body of work and the creation he shared with those who love children's literature."
Wahl's most recent title, Hedy and Her Amazing Invention, illustrated by Morgana Wallace, was released yesterday. He had been scheduled to read from the work on March 2 at the Toledo Museum of Art. The program will continue, but "will become a celebration of his writing, and especially his new book," said Scott Boberg, the museum's manager of programs. "His books are amazing, and there are people around the world who have really enjoyed and loved his writing and enjoyed the work of artists who illustrated his books.... While it's sad news he is no longer with us, we want to celebrate what he has given to the world."
Wahl was recipient of the Redbook Award, Parents' Choice Literary Award, an Ohioana Book Award, among other honors. His other books include Humphrey's Bear, illustrated by William Joyce; How the Children Stopped the Wars, illustrated by Maureen O'Keefe; I Met a Dinosaur, illustrated by Chris Sheban; and The Art Collector, illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet.
Noting that his latest book took three years to write, Dahl's friend Mary Dawson said, "He thought every word was important."