Wendell Minor

Wendell draws upon his lifelong affinity for environmental issues to create illustrations for children's books, which he finds especially satisfying, as they allow him to combine his love of the outdoors with his independent pursuits – including painting the landscape from life. His wish is to inspire children to go out into the fields and woods and mountains to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and to give children a positive perspective about the beauty that abounds in the world. Wendell's travels have taken him from the Everglades of Florida, to Barrow, Alaska in the Arctic circle, through the Midwest to the Grand Canyon in the Southwest, and numerous points in between, to research his award-winning children's books. He hopes also to inspire in children an interest in American history through his books about notable historical figures. He has illustrated and/or authored over 40 books for children and young adults, and has enjoyed collaborations with, among others, naturalist Jean Craighead George, astronaut and moon-walker Buzz Aldrin, renowned storyteller, Mary Higgins Clark, and his wife, Florence.

He and Florence live in Washington, Connecticut, with their cats Sofie and Cindercat.




			My Farm Friends written and illustrated by Wendell Minor Putnam, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0399244773 Is there anything cuter than a little lamb or playful piglet? Farm animals are fascinating, and they are full of surprises, too. Naturally, cows make milk--but did you know they need to drink a bathtub-full of water every day? And of course turkeys gobble--but sometimes they purr like cats. Wendell Minor's bright, bold artwork and jaunty verse celebrate the wonders of our farm friends, and a list of fun facts gives curious animal-lovers even more to enjoy.



			Night Flight illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Robert Burleigh Simon & Schuster, 2011 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1416967330 Robert Burleigh has captured Amelia Earhart's first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. She was only the second person to do this--and the first woman. Rich in detail, feeling, and incident, this is nonfiction with edge and action, a you-are-there experience made more dramatic and real by Wendell Minor's vivid paintings.



			Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Anita Silvey Clarion Books, 2010 ages 7 to 12, ISBN 978-0618274857 A hearty eater, dapper dresser, bookseller to Loyalists and Patriots alike, and married into a staunch Loyalist family, Henry Knox may seem an unlikely hero. But his fascination with warfare and strategy and his support of the Patriot cause prepared him to do what no one else thought was possible: transport heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, up and down snow-covered hills and across frozen lakes, to relieve the siege of Boston. The dramatic story of his achievements is all the more satisfying for being absolutely true, a little-known episode in the history of the American Revolution.



			The Last Train illustrated by Wendell Minor song written by Gordon Titcomb Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan, 2010 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1-59643-164-5 The golden age of the railroad may have passed, but its legacy still fascinates us. Based on a song by the acclaimed musician Gordon Titcomb, this is a beautiful celebration of that bygone era. Titcomb’s lyrics are matched by Wendell Minor’s handsome, richly-detailed paintings.



			The Buffalo Are Back illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Jean Craighead George Dutton, 2010 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0525422150 The buffalo, an American icon once nearly extinct, has made a comeback. This stirring picture book tells the dramatic story, following bison from the Plains Indians to the cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt to the Dust Bowl, and from the brink of extinction to the majestic herds that now roam our national parks. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire a new generation to understand and protect nature’s delicate balance.



			The Last Polar Bear illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Jean Craighead George HarperCollins, 2009 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0061240676 The world is warming, and the ice is melting. Tigluk must save the last polar bear. From master storyteller Jean Craighead George, with art from the critically acclaimed Wendell Minor.



			Look to the Stars illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Buzz Aldrin Putnam, 2009 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 0399247211 As one of a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon, Buzz Aldrin has a unique perspective of space. And he serves as an amazing guide as he introduces us to the pioneers of space. From Copernicus to the Wright brothers, from the Apollo program to dreams of future travel, he reminds us that mankind has always looked to the stars.



			The Wolves Are Back illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Jean Craighead George Dutton, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0525479475 Two renowned children’s book creators teamed up to make this stirring picture book that tells the story of how, over a century, wolves were persecuted in the United States and nearly became extinct. Gradually reintroduced, they are thriving again in the West, much to the benefit of the ecosystem. This book will teach a new generation to appreciate the grace, dignity, and value of wolves as it promotes awareness of the environment’s delicate balance. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire people of all ages to care about the protection of endangered species.



			Reaching for the Moon illustrated by Wendell Minor written by Buzz Aldrin HarperCollins, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0060554477 I walked on the moon. This is my journey. But it didn't begin when I stepped on board Apollo 11 on July 1, 1969. It began the day I was born. Becoming an astronaut took more than education, discipline, and physical strength. It took years of determination and believing that any goal is possible—from riding a bike alone across the George Washington Bridge at age ten to making a footprint on the Moon. I always knew the Moon was within my reach—and that I was ready to be on the team that would achieve the first landing. But it was still hard to believe when I took my first step onto the Moon's surface. We all have our own dreams. This is the story of how mine came true.

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