Lois Ehlert's highly original books continue to stretch the limits of traditional bookmaking. Her vivid colors, unique book shapes, intricate page cuts, and photographed collages also catch the eyes of curious young children and invites them to participate.
Ehlert creates art with scissors, paper, glue, wire, thread, textiles, and even things she finds on the sidewalk. As an artist, author, and graphic designer, she is able to develop the entire tone of her books, both through the design and the carefully chosen rhythmic words.
An Exclusive Interview
In this interview with Reading Rockets, Lois Ehlert discusses her early love for art, how she became interested in collage, and why she continually challenges herself to make each book highly original. Click on the links below to learn more about this eclectic, multi-talented children's book author and illustrator.
The Artistic Life of Lois Ehlert
Lois Ehlert grew up in a house where "people were always making things." Her mother was a talented seamstress who gave her sewing lessons and bright pieces of leftover fabric. Her father was a woodworker who gave her scraps of lumber from his workshop in the basement. With this abundance of nontraditional art supplies, Lois became a resourceful artist with a love for bright colors and interesting textures. An old card table served as headquarters for her many art projects.
Not surprisingly, Ehlert went on to study art in college. After graduating from the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, she worked in graphic design for a number of years. When she first attempted to illustrate children's books, she became frustrated with the limitations inherent in illustrating another person's story. Eventually she did return to children's books – but this time as the illustrator, designer, and author. In 1990, Ehlert's Color Zoo received a prestigious Caldecott Honor Award. In 2003, the Milwaukee Art Museum honored the Wisconsin native's original artwork with an exhibit entitled, "Handmade by Lois Ehlert: Art for Children's Books."
Today Lois Ehlert cuts, paints, and writes from her home in Milwaukee. Through her own sense of innovation and discovery, she continues to create authentic books that both children and adults enjoy. "I don’t want to be bored with doing things over and over," she says. "As an artist, I love to experiment, and I find that each book really has its own personality."
