Scarry, << SKAR ee, >> Richard (1919-1994), was a popular American author and illustrator of children’s books. Reviewers and educators have praised his books for their blend of humor and instruction. Scarry wrote many alphabet books and dictionaries, illustrating them with colorful, lively drawings.
During a career that lasted almost 50 years, Scarry wrote and illustrated more than 250 books that have sold many millions of copies worldwide. His first popular success was Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever (1963). The book, aimed at a preschool audience, defines and illustrates hundreds of objects. Many of Scarry’s books are set in a fictional town called Busytown where the residents are animals who act like people. These animals include Huckle Cat, Hilda Hippo, and Lowly Worm.
Richard McClure Scarry was born on June 5, 1919, in Boston. He studied at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts from 1938 to 1941, when he entered the United States Army during World War II (1939-1945). Scarry began his career in children’s literature in 1946, at first illustrating books by other authors. His first book as an author was The Great Big Car and Truck Book (1951). Scarry settled permanently in Switzerland in 1969. He died on April 30, 1994.
