John Henry

illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, written by Julius Lester, and published by Dial

johnhenry.jpg

About

Pinkney's earthy, craggy pencil and watercolor illustrations capture both the power and the humanity of the African-American folk hero. Masterful use of light and shadow portray the strength and mass of the Allegheny Mountains, which match the magnitude of John Henry, while delicate shading and mottled color suggest the detail of a realistic natural setting enlivened with touches of whimsy.

Awards Won

Title Year
Caldecott Medal Image Randolph Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
1995 - Honor(s)