Greenaway, Kate (Kate A.)

Epithet: artist

Kate [originally Catherine] Greenaway was born March 17, 1846, in Hoxton, London, England, and died November 6, 1901, in Frognal, Hampstead, London, England. She became famous as an illustrator of children's books, and also designed cards and created children's clothing. Along with Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott she is part of Englands' triumvirate of children's illustrators during the late nineteenth century. She was also known for creating rhyming verses to accompany many of her illustrations. She describes her own childhood as very happy, and this may be reflected in her work, which reflects the bright, cheerful side of life. In 1955 the Library Association of Great Britain established the Kate Greenaway Medal to be awarded to the artist living and publishing in Britain who has produced the most distinguished work in the illustration of children's books that year.

Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vol. 100; Yesterday's Authors of Books for Children, vol. 2; Children's Literature Review, vol. 6