Goodbye to WI's Lois Ehlert

Publisher Simon & Schusters tribute tweet

It was with profound sadness and the utmost respect that we share the news of Lois Ehlert's death yesterday.  

Lois was an amazing Wisconsin's children's book creator. Born in Beaver Dam, she spent most of her life in the Milwaukee area until her death at age 86. She was a great supporter of libraries, children's books, the CCBC and those who work with children.

from CCBC's webpage, Ehlert's floral mural at the CCBC

Her colorful collage art mixed nature and geometrical shapes to create vibrant splashes of color and lively narratives that were a delight for her picture book audiences. With over 38 books published for children, she would share a leaf, a twig, a flower that inspired her with her audiences. She always encouraged kids during her author visits to have a special place to create art and to experiment and play with their art just as she did.

In a year of loss in the children's book world of longtime friends (Beverly Clearly, Norman Juster, Eric Carle), we are grateful to have the lasting legacy of the works of these wonderful stars of the chilldren's literature universe to continue to share with children and their caregivers.