Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs

Jane Yolen was an accomplished and awarded author and poet, with over 450 books published in her lifetime. She was born and raised in New York City. She attended Smith College, and received her master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She settled and raised her own family in Hatfield, Massachusetts, and spent parts of the year in Scotland as well. When she was not writing, Yolen composed songs, was a professional storyteller, and was the beloved mother of three children, and five grandchildren. Many of Yolen's stories and poems were rooted in her sense of family and self. The Emperor and the Kite, which was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1983 for its intricate paper-cut illustrations by Ed Young, was based on Yolen's relationship with her late father, who was an international kite-flying champion. Owl Moon, winner of the 1988 Caldecott Medal for John Schoenherr's exquisite watercolors, was inspired by her husband's interest in birding. The Devil’s Arithmetic, a National Jewish Book Award-winner and eventual movie, spoke to her own Jewish identity, interest in historical fiction, and her father’s service in WWII. Jane was generous of spirit, mentoring generations of children’s book authors with her expertise, her warmth, and her wonderful sense of humor.  Jane passed away in 2026, but left behind a ubiquitous presence on children’s bookshelves and in hearts across the world.