Janice May Udry is an American author best known for her contributions to children's literature. Her debut work, "A Tree is Nice," earned the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1957 for Marc Simont's illustrations, establishing her as a significant voice in picture books. The book remains a celebrated classic, praised for its simple yet profound celebration of nature.
Born in Jacksonville, Illinois, Udry graduated from Northwestern University in 1950 before embarking on her writing career. Her works often explore themes of childhood wonder and the natural world, rendered in accessible language that resonates with young readers. Her papers are archived at the University of Southern Mississippi, reflecting her lasting impact on children's literature.
Children's Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Little Bear and the Beautiful Kite
1955
2
The Moon Jumpers
1959
3
Alfred
1960
4
Danny's Pig
1960
5
Let's Be Enemies
1961
6
End of the line
1962
7
Next Door to Laura Linda
1965
8
What Mary Jo Shared
1966
9
If You're a Bear
1967
10
What Mary Jo Wanted
1968
11
Glenda Glinka: Witch-At-Large
1969
12
The Sunflower Garden
1969
13
Emily's autumn
1969
14
The Sunflower Girl
1969
15
Mary Jo's Grandmother
1970
16
Angie
1971
17
Oh No, Cat!
1976
18
How I Faded Away
1976
19
Thump and Plunk
1981
20
Is Susan Here?
1993
21
Betsy-Back-in-Bed
2021
Rise and Shine Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Happy Day (By: Ruth Krauss)
1949
2
A Tree Is Nice
1956
3
Music, Music for Everyone (By: Vera B. Williams)
1984
4
My Little Island (By: Frané Lessac)
1985
5
The Story Of The Statue Of Liberty (By: Betsy Maestro)
1989
6
At the Crossroads (By: Rachel Isadora)
1991
7
Sail Away (By: Donald Crews)
1995
8
The Sun (By: Paulette Bourgeois)
1995
9
Moving Day (By: Robert Kalan)
1996
10
My Map Book (By: Sara Fanelli)
2001
11
When Everybody Wore a Hat (By: William Steig)
2003
12
A Mama for Owen (By: Marion Dane Bauer)
2007
13
Tortillas and Lullabies/Tortillas Y Cancioncitas (By: Lynn Reiser)