“Humor is the oxygen of children's
literature. There's a lot of competition for children's time, but even kids who
hate to read want to read a funny book.” – Sid Fleischman
An
American author of children's books, screenplays, novels for adults, and nonfiction
books about magic, Fleischman’s works for children are known for their humor,
imagery, zesty plotting, and exploration of the byways of American history.
His
understanding of and ability to perform magic led to many delightful uses of it
in his writing, and in addition to 8 books about magic, he also broke into the
children’s book market with a magician’s tale.
Mr. Mysterious & Company (1962), the adventures of a
traveling magician's family in the old West, was the first of many books
drawing on his background in both magic and his interest in history.
Winner
of the Newbery Medal (for best children’s literature) for The Whipping Boy,
he was the U.S. nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen
Award in 1994. Shortly before his death
in 2010 (at age 90) The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
inaugurated the Sid Fleischman Award – recognizing a writer 
of humorous fiction
for children and young adults.
of humorous fiction
for children and young adults.
“Adult
novels are as ephemeral as newspapers,” he said when asked whether he preferred
writing for adults or children. “Children's
books stay in print for decades.”
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