Charlotte Wolff

Charlotte Zolotow, born Charlotte Shapiro, was an American writer, poet, editor, and publisher who made significant contributions to children's literature. She authored around 70 picture book texts during her career. Zolotow began her publishing journey as a secretary at Harper & Brothers, eventually rising to the position of editor and publisher within the company, which is now known as HarperCollins. She also worked with numerous other publishing houses throughout her career.

Her work was recognized for its lasting value, with her book "When the Wind Stops" being a runner-up for the Phoenix Picture Book Award. Zolotow's 1972 book "William's Doll," which addressed gender stereotypes, was adapted for the children's album and television special "Free to Be... You and Me." In recognition of her impact, the Charlotte Zolotow Award was established in 1998 by the Cooperative Children's Book Center at UW Madison School of Education to honor the best picture book text published annually in the United States.

Born Charlotte Shapiro in Norfolk, Virginia, Zolotow pursued her writing education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, studying under Helen C. White. Following her studies, she relocated to New York City. There, she commenced her career at Harper & Bros, initially serving as a secretary to Ursula Nordstrom, the editor of children's books. Zolotow was married to Maurice Zolotow from 1938 until their divorce in 1969. She was the mother of writer Crescent Dragonwagon and poker champion Steve Zolotow. Zolotow resided in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, where she passed away at the age of 98.

Zolotow's extensive career saw her work published by over twenty different publishing houses. She held significant roles as an editor and later as a publisher at Harper & Row, a company that evolved from Harper & Brothers, where she first began her employment. Her editorial contributions included work with notable writers such as Paul Fleischman, Paul Zindel, Mary Rodgers, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Several of her poems were featured in anthologies, including "Missing You" from "River Winding" and "People" from "All That Sunlight." These anthologies were often marked with the designation "A Charlotte Zolotow Book."

Among Zolotow's widely recognized works is the picture book "When the Wind Stops," first published in 1962 with illustrations by Joe Lasker and later reissued with new illustrations. This book received recognition when a later edition was named a runner-up for the Phoenix Picture Book Award, an honor celebrating picture books with enduring value. Her 1972 book, "William's Doll," which explored themes of gender stereotypes, was notably adapted for the popular children's album and television special "Free to Be... You and Me." The Cooperative Children's Book Center at UW Madison established the annual Charlotte Zolotow Award in 1998 to celebrate excellence in children's picture book writing.