Jack Prelutsky author page

Jack Prelutsky biography

Jack Prelutsky is an American poet and author known for his contributions to children’s literature. He has written numerous poetry collections and anthologies, often characterized by humor and imaginative wordplay. Prelutsky’s work frequently features animals, fantastical creatures, and playful rhymes, making his poetry accessible and engaging for young readers.

Prelutsky attended Hunter College in New York City. He began his career as a children’s poet in the 1960s, with his first book, A Gopher in the Garden and Other Animal Poems, published in 1967. Over the years, he has collaborated with various illustrators, including Arnold Lobel and James Stevenson, to bring his poems to life visually.

Among his notable works are The New Kid on the Block, Something Big Has Been Here, and Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant. Prelutsky has also edited poetry anthologies, such as The 20th Century Children’s Poetry Treasury. His poems are widely used in classrooms and libraries across the United States.

In 2006, Jack Prelutsky was named the first Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation, recognizing his significant impact on children’s poetry.