Claire Huchet Bishop, Kurt Wiese

Kurt Wiese, born in Germany in 1887, developed into a prolific book illustrator and author, creating over 20 children's books and illustrating approximately 300 more for other authors. His early life included a period working in the export trade in China from 1909 to 1915. During World War I, he was captured and spent five years as a prisoner, primarily in Australia, where his observations of wildlife sparked his artistic endeavors.

After his release, Wiese briefly returned to Germany before relocating to Brazil, where he began his illustrating career. In 1927, he moved to the United States. His illustrations for Felix Salten's "Bambi" in 1928 marked a significant early success. Wiese established a farm in New Jersey and collaborated with master printmaker Theodore Cuno on lithographs. He married Gertrude Hausen in 1930 and continued his prolific work until his death in 1974 at the age of 87. Wiese received multiple accolades, including Newbery and Caldecott Honors for his contributions to children's literature.

Born in Minden, Germany, on April 22, 1887, Kurt Wiese initially faced discouragement from his community regarding his artistic aspirations. His early career involved being sent to Hamburg to learn about the export trade to China. From 1909 to 1915, Wiese resided, worked, and traveled extensively throughout China, engaging in the sale of merchandise. The outbreak of World War I led to his capture by the Japanese and subsequent handover to the British. He spent five years as a prisoner of war, with a significant portion of this time spent in Australia. It was during this period of internment that his fascination with the local animal life inspired him to resume his artistic practice through sketching.

Following his release after World War I, Wiese made a brief return to Germany before moving to Brazil, where he commenced his career as an illustrator. In 1927, he emigrated to the United States. His illustrative work for Felix Salten's "Bambi" in 1928 garnered critical acclaim and marked a notable early success. Wiese established his residence on a farm in Kingwood Township, New Jersey. He collaborated with Theodore Cuno, a German master printmaker from Germantown, Pennsylvania, on the creation of several lithographs. Throughout his career, Wiese authored and illustrated numerous children's books and provided illustrations for many others, earning him several prestigious honors, including Newbery and Caldecott Honors.