Ashley Bryan, beloved Maine children’s author, dies in Texas at 98
Across Maine, people who grew up with Ashley Bryan’s books in their libraries are saddened to learn that the author/illustrator has passed away.
Who was Ashley Bryan?
Every child who loves to read has a favorite book and a favorite author. For millions of children, across multiple generations, that author is Ashley Bryan. His most famous book is probably “Beautiful Blackbird”, but he wrote more than 70 in total, told from the African-American experience. His words and illustrations are so full of color and joy that they jumped off the page and captured international attention. Here are just a few of the many honors Bryan received during his lifetime.
- In 2006 he was nominated for a Hans Christian Andersen Prize in 2006.
- Three years later, in 2009, he won a Laura Ingalls Wilder Prize for his contribution to children’s literature.
- He has a school in Maine named after him. Ashley Bryan Elementary School is located in Islesford, or Little Cranberry Island, where he lived.
- It’s also where you’ll find the Ashley Bryan Center, which preserves his works and celebrates one of Maine’s most renowned literary treasures.
When did he die?
Bryan died Friday in Texas, where he was staying with relatives. Governor Janet Mills expressed her sadness at the death of a man she described as having “a big imagination and a child’s soul”. In a press release, she shared memories of the last time she spent time with him.
During our lunch, he spontaneously recited Langston Hughes, Shakespeare’s love sonnets and other wonderful verses. His passing is a huge loss, but we are immensely better off for his many gifts to our world.
She proclaimed Monday, July 13, 2020 Ashley Frederick Bryan Day, in honor of her 97th birthday.
In his own words….
I’ll end this reminiscence of Ashley Bryan’s life, with one of her most famous quotes:
Having a safe space to imagine, dream and (re)invent yourself is the first step to being happy and successful, whatever path you choose to follow.
We are so lucky that your safe space is here in Maine. Thank you, Ashley Bryan, for the many gifts you have shared with the world. They will continue to delight young minds for generations to come.
