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Ed Young

エド・ヤング

Ed Tse-chun Young

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1931-11-28 （Tianjin, China）
Died
2023-09-29 （Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, U.S.） age 91
Nationality
American
Languages
English, Chinese
Residence History
Shanghai (childhood) → Hastings-on-Hudson, New York (later residence)

Career

Occupations
illustrator, children's book author, tai chi instructor
Active Years
1962-2023
Influenced By
Cheng Man-ch'ing
Influenced

Awards

Caldecott Medal
1990
Work: Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China
Organization: American Library Association (ALA)
Result: 受賞（Medal）
Caldecott Honor
1967
Work: The Emperor and the Kite
Organization: American Library Association (ALA)
Result: オナー（Honor）
Caldecott Honor
1992
Work: Seven Blind Mice
Organization: American Library Association (ALA)
Result: オナー（Honor）
Hans Christian Andersen Award (nominee)
1992
Organization: International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Result: 米国代表ノミネート
Hans Christian Andersen Award (nominee)
2000
Organization: International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Result: 米国代表ノミネート
Eric Carle Museum Lifetime Achievement
2017
Organization: Eric Carle Museum
Result: 功労賞（Lifetime Achievement）
Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award
2016
Organization: Society of Illustrators
Result: 功労賞（Lifetime Achievement）
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Nonfiction)
1984
Work: The Double Life of Pocahontas
Category: Nonfiction
Organization: Boston Globe–Horn Book
Result: 受賞
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Picture Book)
1990
Work: Lon Po Po
Category: Picture book
Organization: Boston Globe–Horn Book
Result: 受賞
Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor
1983
Work: Yeh-Shen
Category: Picture book
Organization: Boston Globe–Horn Book
Result: オナー（Honor）
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
2008
Work: Wabi Sabi
Category: Picture book
Organization: APALA
Result: 受賞（2008-2009シーズン）
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
2011
Work: The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China
Category: Picture book
Organization: APALA
Result: 受賞（2011-2012シーズン）

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

1989 Children's picture book

A retelling of a Chinese Red-Riding-Hood–type folktale, rendered with dramatic illustrations and use of shadow; Young's adaptation and layered visual approach won critical acclaim.

Chinese folktaleresourcefulness and couragefamily
Translations
  • Chinese translation
  • Japanese translation

The Emperor and the Kite

1967 Children's picture book

A story set in China that combines illustration and narrative to depict the relationship between an emperor and his people. Selected as a Caldecott Honor book.

courageingenuityChinese tradition

Seven Blind Mice

1992 Children's picture book (fable)

A fable about blind mice each perceiving a part of an elephant; expressed through color and composition. One of Young's Caldecott Honor books.

relativity of perceptioncooperationfable

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China

2011 Memoir-style picture book

A memoir-like picture book recounting the artist's childhood in China, reflecting on family, memory, and the path to art. Recognized by APALA and others.

memoryfamilyimmigrant experience

Bibliography

  • The Mean Mouse and Other Mean Stories (1962)
  • The Emperor and the Kite (1967)
  • Lon Po Po (1989)
  • Seven Blind Mice (1992)
  • The House Baba Built (2011)

Adaptations

  • Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (film adaptation)

Translations of Works

  • Many works have been translated into Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and other languages

Style & Themes

Literary Style
lyrical, symbolic use of color and shadowmixed-media techniques combining collage, cut paper, ink, and found materials
Recurring Motifs
Chinese folktales and traditionanimals and nature motifsfamily and memory

Legacy

Ed Young introduced Chinese folklore to Western children's literature and significantly influenced children's book illustration through his distinctive visual approach. His Caldecott Medal and numerous lifetime honors mark his international recognition.

Museums

  • National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (solo exhibit: "Journey Without End") Abilene, Texas, United States
  • Mazza Museum (exhibited) Ohio, United States

Academic Societies

  • Society of Illustrators

Archives

  • University of Connecticut Archives (Ed Young Papers)

Quotes

  • I believe a strong foundation of research must be established in order to create new and exciting images.
    Source: Interview/biography (citation needed)

Trivia

  • Met tai chi master Cheng Man-ch'ing in 1964 and became a principal disciple in the U.S.
  • First book (1962) won an American Institute of Graphic Arts award and launched his career.
  • His books have been translated into multiple languages and read internationally.