Gackenbach, Dick

American author and illustrator born in Allentown, PA in 1927. After working for J. C. Penney Company (1950-1972), Gackenbach moved to Connecticut where he wrote and illustrated children's books.

From the description of Dick Gackenbach papers, 1974-1991. (University of Connecticut). WorldCat record id: 44706777

American author/illustrator, born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1927. Retired from J.C. Penney Corporation and moved to Washington Depot, Connecticut where he wrote and illustrated thirty books for young children.

From the description of Papers, 1976-1984. (University of Southern Mississippi, Regional Campus). WorldCat record id: 26148718

Dick Gackenbach was born 9 February 1927, in Allentown, PA, the son of William and Gertrude (Reichenbach) Gackenbach . He attended Jameson Franklin School of Art, NY, and Abbott School of Art, Washington, DC . He worked for J. C. Penney Company (New York City, 1950-1972) as a paste-up artist and later, creative director. He went out on his own as a free-lance author and illustrator beginning in 1972-2001. He has also served as a consultant on art education for children with learning disabilities (1988-2001). Mr. Gackenbach died in 2001.

From the guide to the Dick Gackenbach Papers., 1974-1991., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center .)

Dick Gackenbach was born February 9, 1927, in Allentown, PA; son of William and Gertrude (Reichenbach) Gackenbach and received a rural upbringing. After a stint in the Navy, he attened Jameson Franklin School of Art, NY and Abbott School of Art, Washington, DC. His early career included working for J.C. Penny Co. as a paste-up artist, where he eventually became a creative director and freelance author and illustrator. After 20 years he moved to a second career as children's author and illustrator. He became a consultant for art education for children with disabilities in 1988. His love and interest in dogs is often reflected in his writing.

Awards included Children's Choice designation, Internation Reading Assoication and Children's Book Council, 1978, for Mother Rabbit's Son Tom ; Garden State Children's Book Award, New Jersey Library Association, 1979, for Hattie Rabbit; Outstanding Book citation, New York Times, 1981, for McGoogan Moves the Mighty Rock ; Book of the Year citiation, Child Study Assocation of America, 1985, for Mag the Magnificent . His books contain stories based on childhood experiences, jokebooks, mysterious events and often contain large colorful artwork. His themes emphasise the importance of affection, generosity, courage, and tolerance. Since 1954 he has illustrated over twenty books for other authors.

Biographical Source: Something About the Author, vol. 79, p. 74-78

From the guide to the Dick Gackenbach Papers, 1987, (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])