World Literary Awards

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Jonathan London

ジョナサン・ロンドン

Jonathan London

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1947-03-11 （Brooklyn, New York, U.S.）
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Near U.S. Navy bases (various locations) → Puerto Rico

Career

Occupations
Children's book author, Poet, Novelist
Active Years
1970-

Education

San Jose State University
Social Sciences / History
Degree: M.A.
Country: United States
Received an M.A. in Social Sciences. Studied history and social sciences and began writing poetry and short fiction.

Awards

New York Public Library '100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know' selection
Work: Froggy Gets Dressed (and other Froggy titles)
Organization: New York Public Library
Result: 選出
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (selection)
2016
Work: Specific title not specified
Organization: NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)
Result: 選出
Bank Street Children's Book Committee selection
Work: Multiple titles
Organization: Bank Street Children's Book Committee
Result: 選出
Booklist Notable Children's Books (selection)
2016
Work: Specific title not specified
Organization: Booklist
Result: 選出

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Froggy Gets Dressed

Children's picture book

A picture book about Froggy and his small everyday adventures such as getting dressed; known for humor and repetitive phrasing.

Childhood anxieties and growthHumorEveryday adventure
Translations
  • Translated into multiple languages, including Mandarin
  • Russian edition
  • Persian edition
  • Greek edition
  • Spanish edition

Pup The Sea Otter

Children's picture book (wildlife)

A picture book about a young sea otter, gently conveying themes of family and nature. Illustrated by his son Sean London.

NatureFamilyWildlife conservation

Desolation Canyon

Middle grade novel

One volume of Aaron's Wilderness Trilogy; an adventure and coming-of-age story set in the wilderness.

AdventureSelf-discoveryNature

Bella Bella

Middle grade novel

Second book in the wilderness trilogy, following youth growing through relationships with community and nature.

GrowthCommunityNature

Grizzly Peak

Middle grade novel

Final volume of the wilderness trilogy, centered on the hardships of nature and friendship.

FriendshipHarshness of natureAdventure

Bibliography

  • Froggy Gets Dressed
  • Tell Me a Story
  • Pup The Sea Otter
  • Desolation Canyon
  • Bella Bella
  • Grizzly Peak

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Direct, accessible proseRhythmic repetitive phrasingHumorous and child-friendly narration
Recurring Motifs
Childhood anxieties and overcoming themNature and wildlifeFamily and small everyday adventures

Legacy

Jonathan London is best known for the Froggy series and is a widely read children's author, with millions of sales in North America. His books are popular in schools and libraries and have appeared on several recommended and notable lists.

In Popular Culture

  • The Froggy series is widely read in schools and libraries and has appeared on bestseller lists multiple times.

Quotes

  • The Froggy stories began as bedtime tales I told my sons.
    Source: Author interview / official website

Trivia

  • The Froggy series has reportedly sold over 16 million copies in North America (series total).
  • He has published over 120 books, about 30 of which are Froggy titles.
  • His son Sean London has illustrated several books.
  • Spouse: Maureen Weisenberger.