Natalie Babbitt

Natalie Babbitt, born Natalie Moore in 1932, was an American writer and illustrator known for her impactful contributions to children's literature. Her career began with collaborative picture books, but she soon transitioned to writing novels. Babbitt received significant recognition for her work, including a Newbery Honor for her 1971 novel, Knee-Knock Rise. Her most famous work, Tuck Everlasting (1975), explored profound themes and was adapted into films and a musical, cementing its place as a beloved classic.

Throughout her career, Babbitt was praised for her ability to craft believable characters and worlds, tackling complex ideas with grace. Reviewers noted her skill in exploring life's coincidences and the deeper meanings of existence. She also illustrated books for other authors, notably Valerie Worth. Babbitt passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of critically acclaimed and enduringly popular books that continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Natalie Babbitt's writing career blossomed after her initial collaborations on picture books. Encouraged to pursue her own narrative voice, she turned to children's novels, achieving critical success with "Knee-Knock Rise," which earned her a Newbery Honor in 1971. Her most enduring work, "Tuck Everlasting" (1975), delved into profound philosophical questions about life, death, and immortality, earning widespread acclaim and adaptations into film and stage. The novel was recognized by "School Library Journal" as one of the top chapter books of all time. Babbitt's ability to weave thoughtful explorations of aging, death, and the nature of existence into accessible narratives for young readers was a hallmark of her style, earning her praise as a gifted and ambitious writer.

Beyond her writing, Natalie Babbitt was also a talented illustrator. She collaborated with her husband, Samuel, on their first book, "The Forty-ninth Magician," and later illustrated numerous books for Valerie Worth, including collections like "Small Poems" and "All the Small Poems." Babbitt's own novels were often self-illustrated, contributing a unique visual identity to her stories. Her literary achievements were widely recognized throughout her career. She received the Christopher Award and was a U.S. nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. In 2012, she was honored with the inaugural E. B. White Award for her significant contributions to children's literature.

“indisputably one of our most gifted and ambitious writers for children”

“Mrs. Babbitt creates a plausible world and peoples it with believable humans, but the most satisfaction comes from the pleasure of her company as she effortlessly takes the reader in velvet-gloved hand to point out life's coincidences and near misses.”

“slim, ruminative”

“From the moment it appeared, it has been fiercely loved by children and their parents for its honest, intelligent grappling with aging and death.”