Jon Klassen's Anthropomorphic Worlds: From Hat Trilogy to Board Books
Jon Klassen, renowned for his work as a children's author and illustrator, captivates audiences with his distinctive portrayal of expressive eyes and animated objects, embodying the idea that everything possesses life. His artistic approach, characterized by white oval scleras and black pupils, creates a charming environment for young readers. He rose to prominence with his hat trilogy: "I Want My Hat Back" (2011), "This Is Not My Hat" (2012), and "We Found a Hat" (2016), which delve into themes of honesty and mortality. Klassen has teamed up with notable figures like Mac Barnett, Ted Kooser, Lemony Snicket, and Sara Pennypacker, earning Caldecott Honors for "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" and "Extra Yarn." In 2023, he released "The Skull" and has been concentrating on board books, including the "Your Places" trilogy and the forthcoming "The House with Nobody In It."
Key facts
- Jon Klassen is known for hyperabundant eyes on animals and objects.
- His hat trilogy includes 'I Want My Hat Back' (2011), 'This Is Not My Hat' (2012), and 'We Found a Hat' (2016).
- Klassen won Caldecott Honors for 'Sam and Dave Dig a Hole' and 'Extra Yarn'.
- He collaborated with Mac Barnett on books and the Apple TV+ show 'Shape Island'.
- He illustrated books by Ted Kooser, Lemony Snicket, and Sara Pennypacker.
- In 2023, he published 'The Skull', a reimagined folk tale.
- His 'Your Places' board book trilogy was published in 2023.
- Upcoming board book 'The House with Nobody In It' is shaped like a house with die-cut features.
- Klassen runs the Substack 'Looking at Picture Books' with Mac Barnett.
Entities
Artists
- Jon Klassen
- Mac Barnett
- Ted Kooser
- Lemony Snicket
- Daniel Handler
- Sara Pennypacker
- Edward Gorey
- Brothers Grimm
- Beatrix Potter
- Buster Keaton
- Samuel Beckett
- Arnold Lobel
Institutions
- Apple TV+
- Substack
- Caldecott Honor