Floyd Cooper
Floyd Cooper (1956-2021) was a Coretta Scott King Award winner and illustrator of numerous books for children including Ruth and the Green Book, A Spy Called James, and Max and the Tag-Along Moon. Unspeakable, one of his final picture books, was a National Book Award longlist title, a Sibert Honor book, and a Caldecott Honor book. He received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma and went on to develop a distinctive art technique called oil erasure.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
George the Stegosaurus
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“’That’s OK.’ Eddie Lee told Christie with his hand over his heart. ’It’s what’s here that counts.’” From the book Be Good to Eddie Lee by Virginia M. Fleming
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Joyce Carol Thomas, Jerry Pinkney, and Paul O. Zelinsky
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I love story.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Work each and every day on your craft.
