Bio
Chris Raschka was raised in suburban Chicago and spent part of his childhood in Austria, his mother’s homeland. His mother is a librarian and his father a historian, so books were an everyday part of his growing up years. As a child, Raschka was always drawing and painting, but he also loved animals and biology and that’s what he studied in college (St. Olaf’s in Northfield, Minnesota), thinking that he might become a physician. Soon after graduation, he realized that his soul was in art, not science and he moved to New York City to pursue a creative career. Raschka initially did magazine and newspaper work while making little paintings which he sold. He also started creating picture book dummies – one of the first eventually became the published book, Charlie Parker Played Be Bop, a highly original take on what be bop sounds like through words, characters and pictures.
Coffee, daily walks along the riverfront and dips into a local New York City museum all keep Raschka’s creative spirit fresh. Read this description of a typical day in the working life of Chris Raschka (opens in a new window) written by his wife, Lydie, for the Horn Book.
Raschka lives in New York City with his wife, son and a variety of pets. Raschka often visits schools and libraries where he shares his process for creating pictures and stories. When not working on books, Raschka likes to walk and bike around the city, go to the opera, practice yoga and play the viola.
Books by this author
How a small white dog with black ears loses his orange ball to another hound but finds friendship instead comes to life through the author/illustrator’s signature illustrations. (2012 Caldecott Medal Winner)
A Ball for Daisy
Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop
Crabby Crab is not happy with its claws or legs — but “we love you just the way you are, even when you’re crabby!” Readers will also appreciate the title character’s silly ideas in Cowy Cow. Childlike humor in simple text and line and wash illustrations on colored pages are used in the appealing “Thingy Thing” series.
Crabby Crab
The small, slightly frumpy but charming dog named Daisy is separated from her mistress when she chases her blue ball (acquired in A Ball for Daisy (opens in a new window)). Few words are needed to communicate their concern as they search for one another clearly seen in the expressive wash illustrations.
Daisy Gets Lost
Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Introduce children to the five senses in this delightfully offbeat book, with a flop-eared bunny as your guide. Snappy, rhythmic language and expressive, jaunty illustrations create a book ideal for sharing.
Five for a Little One
A mutt tells reveals a “doggy allegory” and how he went from “the saddest and the baddest” to being a hip hop dog. Jazzy language swirls around and with fresh, loose art to create a sense of music in many forms. While rappers may just call it ‘freestyle,’ this zippy book is howling good fun.
Hip Hop Dog
John Coltrane’s Giant Steps
Mysterious Thelonious
A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.
Simple Gifts
The Purple Balloon
Yo! Yes?
Books by this illustrator
A mother encircles her daughter like a bottle around a genie, and teaches her the craft of weaving and the world of possibilities before letting her out on her own. The lyrical poetry envelops the reader like the mothers arms, and offers gentle protection and loving support.
The Genie in the Jar
The window at Nanna and Poppy’s house looks like a regular window, but it’s really a doorway to the child’s world and a celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Celebrate family with this 2006 Caldecott Medal-winning book.
The Hello, Goodbye Window
Find this author’s books on these booklists
Themed Booklist
Caldecott Medal Winners
Themed Booklist
Great Read Alouds for Kindergarteners
Themed Booklist
Holiday Buying Guide 2006
Themed Booklist
Holiday Buying Guide 2011
Themed Booklist
Holiday Buying Guide 2013
Themed Booklist
Holiday Buying Guide 2014
Themed Booklist
Music Makers
Themed Booklist