Charlotte Zolotow author page

Charlotte Zolotow biography

Charlotte Zolotow was an American author, editor, and publisher of books for children. She wrote over 70 picture books, many of which have become classics in children’s literature. Zolotow began her career at Harper & Brothers (later Harper & Row, now HarperCollins), where she worked as an editor and later as a publisher, shaping the careers of numerous writers and illustrators.

Her first book, The Park Book, was published in 1944. Notable works include Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present (1962), illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and William’s Doll (1972), illustrated by William Pène du Bois. Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1963. Other significant titles by Zolotow include The Storm Book (1952), When the Wind Stops (1962), and My Grandson Lew (1974).

As an editor at Harper, Zolotow worked with authors such as Paul Fleischman, Paul Zindel, and Mary Rodgers. She was instrumental in publishing and editing works by other prominent children’s authors, including Ruth Krauss and Margaret Wise Brown.

Charlotte Zolotow’s books have been translated into several languages and remain in print. In 1998, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison established the Charlotte Zolotow Award, recognising outstanding writing in picture books published in the United States.

Her book Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present received a Caldecott Honor in 1963.