Award-winning children's book author and illustrator, James Marshall, died last month. I met James Marshall at a children's bookstore signing six years ago. We have a picture of him glued in our well-read copy of George and Martha. I could tell he was comfortable with children by the way he held my newborn daughter and wrapped his arm around my four-year-old son. My son had just recovered from throwing a record tantrum. When I wouldn't buy him a puppet, he'd hurled himself to the ground, screaming "I hate books!" over and over again. After my son calmed down, Marshall was quick to welcome him back to the human race, intriguing him with the idea of an illustrating career. When I wouldn't buy him a puppet, he'd hurled himself to the ground, screaming "I hate books!" over and over again. It wasn't long before there was another child-outburst. Marshall's autographing brought on the rage of a three-year old who knew that you aren't supposed to write in books! Marshall saw the humor instantly and explained gently.
Marshall left children a rich legacy of literary laughter. He understood what made them giggle. Even at three my son would pull out Marshall's illustration of The Stupids and chuckle over the way Marshall pictured this foolish family. Marshall knew how to encourage a child's infrequent joy that comes when they know they're smarter than adults.
Marshall wrapped his messages in mirth. In his George and Martha books, Marshall showed that laughter is a great way to get over difficult bumps in friendship. Marshall's Fox books let kids and adults know that laughing at yourself is inescapable. Marshall's Fox series show that laughing at yourself is inescapable. He let kids experience the roller-coaster ride of two class clowns in his Cut-Up books. He showed the hidden humor in several well-known tales, all the time respecting the original story.
James Marshall was as loyal to his characters as he was to his child audience. His characters must have enchanted him as much as they charmed children. Unlike many series, his continuations never disappointed readers. Whether it was another alien adventure of Spacecase or more greedy antics of Emily the always-hungry Pig.
Marshall's visual and word humor will survive forever. Tasty goodies will still be "Yummers" and mean subsitute teachers will bring to mind images of Viola Swamp from Miss Nelson is Missing. Kids can be comforted in knowing that this summer Dial will release Rats on the Range, a sequel to Marshall's Rats on the Roof.
What I'll miss most is the author and illustrator who knew how to make a personal and playful connection with the thousands of readers who never had the opportunity of meeting him.