Arnold lobel illustrations

Arnold Lobel (1933–1987) declared he “was born a children’s book illustrator and writer.” He illustrated nearly 100 children’s books, many—like his Frog and Toad series—celebrating love, friendship, and individuality.  His graphite, ink, and watercolor illustrations most often feature whimsical animal characters engaged in everyday human dramas. The Carle’s collection includes work from his award-winning titles, including the Caldecott Medal picture book Fables (1981) and the Newbery Honor chapter book Frog and Toad Together (1973).

Lobel’s children Adrianne and Adam have generously donated more than 600 artworks by their father to the Museum, representing 20 book titles. The Carle presented Seeking a State of Grace: The Art of Arnold Lobel in 2008 and organized the traveling exhibitions Frog and Toad and the World of Arnold Lobel at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco (2014) and Arnold Lobel: Alone Together, a touring show in Japan (2021). 

Arnold Lobel (1933–1987) was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Schenectady, New York. He was ill and homebound during most of second grade, and one of the ways he kept busy was by drawing animals. When he finally returned to school, he used his drawings as a way to make friends with his classmates. His art has been making friends for him ever since.

Arnold graduated from Pratt Institute, where he focused on illustration. At first he created pictures for other people’s stories and poems. Then in 1962, he published his first author/illustrator project, A Zoo for Mister Muster (HarperCollins). Nearly one hundred books for children followed—along with many awards and honors. In 1972, he received a Caldecott Honor for Hildilid’s Night by Cheli Duran Ryan (Macmillan), which he illustrated, and in 1981, he won the Caldecott Medal for Fables (HarperCollins), which he wrote as well as illustrated.

Out of all his varied work, Arnold is probably best remembered for his beloved Frog and Toad series (HarperCollins). With their engaging plots and memorable characters, these books signi

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