Kay Chorao
Encyclopedia
Kay Chorao, born as Ann McKay Sproat on January 7, 1936, (some sources say 1937) in Elkhart, Indiana
, is an American
artist
, illustrator
and writer
of children's books.
, United States
, into a middle-class, suburban family. She loved and was encouraged to draw at a young age. She attended Laurel School
in Shaker Heights, OH. Chorao went to Wheaton College
, where in 1958 she earned a Bachelor of Arts
in art history
. After that, Chorao pursued her graduate study at Chelsea School of Art from 1958 to 1959.
Chorao got married and had three sons before moving to New York
with her family. From 1966 to 1968, she studied book illustration at School of Visual Arts
in New York.
, Judith Viorst
, Jan Wahl
, and Marjorie Sharmat. Chorao published her first book, The Repair of Uncle Toe, in 1972. Since then, she has written and illustrated more than fifty books. Her illustrations have been exhibited several times by American Institute of Graphic Arts
and Society of Illustrators
. Chorao has received the Christopher Award
twice; the first time in 1979 as the illustrator of Chester Chipmunk's Thanksgiving, by Barbara Williams; and the second time in 1989 as the illustrator of The Good-Bye Book, by Judith Viorst.
In 1975, Chorao illustrated Albert's Toothache, by Barbara Williams. The book was critically successful, being given the American Library Association
's notable book citation and Children's Book Showcase title. In 1979, her 1974 book Ida Makes a Movie was adapted into a short film by the same name
, which would become the genesis for the highly-successful Degrassi teen drama franchise. In 1988, Chorao published Cathedral Mouse, which was well-received by critics and featured among the ten best children's picture books of the year, by New York Times.
In 1990, Chorao's book Baby’s Lap Book was selected by American Library Association
among the list of "Books to Grow On" for children from 6 to 12 months. The following year, she published Here Comes Kate, which was named among the Pick of the decade 1995-2005 "Best books for children" list compiled by New Jersey State Library
, Clifton Public Library and Woodbridge Public Library. In 1994, Chorao self-illustrated book Annie and Cousin Precious was picked by International Reading Association
as one of the Children's Choices for 1995.
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
Elkhart, Indiana
Elkhart is a city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. The city is located east of South Bend, northwest of Fort Wayne, east of Chicago, and north of Indianapolis...
, is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
artist
Artist
An artist is a person engaged in one or more of any of a broad spectrum of activities related to creating art, practicing the arts and/or demonstrating an art. The common usage in both everyday speech and academic discourse is a practitioner in the visual arts only...
, illustrator
Illustrator
An Illustrator is a narrative artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text...
and writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
of children's books.
Biography
Chorao was born in Elkhart, IndianaElkhart, Indiana
Elkhart is a city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. The city is located east of South Bend, northwest of Fort Wayne, east of Chicago, and north of Indianapolis...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, into a middle-class, suburban family. She loved and was encouraged to draw at a young age. She attended Laurel School
Laurel School
Located in Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio,Laurel School is a school for girls Kindergarten through Grade 12, with a coeducational pre-primary program. Laurel’s mission is to “inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world". While this is their mission statement,...
in Shaker Heights, OH. Chorao went to Wheaton College
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Wheaton College is a four-year, private liberal arts college with an approximate student body of 1,550. Wheaton's residential campus is located in Norton, Massachusetts, between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1834 as a female seminary, it is one of the oldest...
, where in 1958 she earned a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in art history
Art history
Art history has historically been understood as the academic study of objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and style...
. After that, Chorao pursued her graduate study at Chelsea School of Art from 1958 to 1959.
Chorao got married and had three sons before moving to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
with her family. From 1966 to 1968, she studied book illustration at School of Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts , is a proprietary art school located in Manhattan, New York City, and is widely considered to be one of the leading art schools in the United States. It was established in 1947 by co-founders Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School and...
in New York.
Career
Besides writing self-illustrated children's books, Chorao has been the illustrator for many books by Jane YolenJane Yolen
Jane Hyatt Yolen is an American author and editor of almost 300 books. These include folklore, fantasy, science fiction, and children's books...
, Judith Viorst
Judith Viorst
Judith Viorst is an American author, newspaper journalist, and psychoanalysis researcher. She is perhaps best known for her children's literature, such as The Tenth Good Thing About Barney and the Alexander series of short picture books.In 1968, Viorst signed the “Writers and Editors War Tax...
, Jan Wahl
Jan Wahl
Jan Boyer Wahl is an American children's book author.Jan was born in Columbus, Ohio. His father is physician Russell Rothenberger, and his mother is Nina Marie Boyer Wahl.Jan Wahl is also well-known as a collector of old films....
, and Marjorie Sharmat. Chorao published her first book, The Repair of Uncle Toe, in 1972. Since then, she has written and illustrated more than fifty books. Her illustrations have been exhibited several times by American Institute of Graphic Arts
American Institute of Graphic Arts
AIGA is an American professional organization for design. Organized in 1914, AIGA currently has more than 22,000 members throughout 66 chapters and more than 200 student groups nationwide...
and Society of Illustrators
Society of Illustrators
The Society of Illustrators is a professional society based in New York City. Founded in 1901, the mission of the Society is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration, as well as its history...
. Chorao has received the Christopher Award
Christopher Award
The Christopher Award is presented to the producers, directors, and writers of books, motion pictures and television specials that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit"...
twice; the first time in 1979 as the illustrator of Chester Chipmunk's Thanksgiving, by Barbara Williams; and the second time in 1989 as the illustrator of The Good-Bye Book, by Judith Viorst.
In 1975, Chorao illustrated Albert's Toothache, by Barbara Williams. The book was critically successful, being given the American Library Association
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
's notable book citation and Children's Book Showcase title. In 1979, her 1974 book Ida Makes a Movie was adapted into a short film by the same name
Ida Makes a Movie
Ida Makes a Movie is the short film that inspired the Degrassi franchise: The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High, and Degrassi: The Next Generation. It was directed by Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler and was written by Amy Jo Cooper...
, which would become the genesis for the highly-successful Degrassi teen drama franchise. In 1988, Chorao published Cathedral Mouse, which was well-received by critics and featured among the ten best children's picture books of the year, by New York Times.
In 1990, Chorao's book Baby’s Lap Book was selected by American Library Association
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
among the list of "Books to Grow On" for children from 6 to 12 months. The following year, she published Here Comes Kate, which was named among the Pick of the decade 1995-2005 "Best books for children" list compiled by New Jersey State Library
New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library, based in Trenton, New Jersey, was established in 1796 to serve the information needs of New Jersey's Governor, Legislature and courts. The State Library is also responsible to assist in the provision of library and information services to all New Jersey...
, Clifton Public Library and Woodbridge Public Library. In 1994, Chorao self-illustrated book Annie and Cousin Precious was picked by International Reading Association
International Reading Association
The International Reading Association is an international professional organization that was created in 1956 to improve reading instruction, facilitate dialogue about research on reading, and encourage the habit of reading....
as one of the Children's Choices for 1995.
As writer and illustrator
- The Repair of Uncle Toe (1972)
- A Magic Eye for Ida (1973)
- Ralph and the Queen's Bathtub (1974)
- Ida Makes a Movie (1974)
- Maudie's Umbrella (1975)
- Cathedral Mouse (1988)
- Ida and Betty and the Secret Eggs (1991)
- Annie and Cousin Precious (1994)
- Jumpety-Bumpety Hop: A Parade of Animal Poems (1997)
- Little Farm by the Sea (1998)
- Here Comes Kate (2000)
"Baby" series
- The Baby's Lap Book: Nursery Rhymes (1977, re-released with color illustrations in 1990)
- The Baby's Bedtime Book: Poems and Rhymes (1984)
- The Baby's Good Morning Book: Poems and Rhymes (1986)
- The Baby's Christmas Treasury: Poems, Stories, and Songs (1991)
Oink and Pearl series
- Oink and Pearl (1981)
- Ups and Downs with Oink and Pearl (1986)
Illustrated for others
- The Witch's Egg by Madeleine Edmondson (1974)
- Clyde Monster by Robert L. Crowe (1976)
- Whose House? by Barbara Seuling (2004)
- Grandma's Hurrying Child by Jane YolenJane YolenJane Hyatt Yolen is an American author and editor of almost 300 books. These include folklore, fantasy, science fiction, and children's books...
(2005)
Books by Majorie Weinman Sharmat
Books by Marjorie W. SharmatMarjorie W. Sharmat
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat is an American children's writer.Sharmat has authored more than 130 books for children and teens...
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
- I'm Terrific (1977)
- Thornton the Worrier (1978)
- Grumley the Grouch (1980)
- Sometimes Mama and Papa Fight (1980)
Book by Judith Viorst
Books by Judith ViorstJudith Viorst
Judith Viorst is an American author, newspaper journalist, and psychoanalysis researcher. She is perhaps best known for her children's literature, such as The Tenth Good Thing About Barney and the Alexander series of short picture books.In 1968, Viorst signed the “Writers and Editors War Tax...
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
- My Mama Says there Aren't any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things (1973)
- The Good-bye Book (1988)
Books by Jan Wahl
Books by Jan WahlJan Wahl
Jan Boyer Wahl is an American children's book author.Jan was born in Columbus, Ohio. His father is physician Russell Rothenberger, and his mother is Nina Marie Boyer Wahl.Jan Wahl is also well-known as a collector of old films....
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
- Frankenstein's Dog (1977)
- Dracula's Cat (1978)
Books by Barbara Williams
Books by Barbara WilliamsBarbara Williams
Barbara Williams is a Canadian-born American actress. Williams starred in the 1984 Paramount film Thief of Hearts and in the 1992 film Oh, What a Night....
that are illustrated by Kay Chorao:
- Albert's Toothache (1974)
- Kevin's Grandma (1975)
- Someday, Said Mitchell (1976) ISBN 0-525-39580-6 HB
- Chester Chipmunk's Thanksgiving (1978)
- A Valentine for Cousin Archie (1981)