Rachel Isadora author page

Rachel Isadora biography

Rachel Isadora is an American author and illustrator known for her contributions to children’s literature. She studied at the School of American Ballet in New York City and later danced with the Boston Ballet. After an injury ended her dance career, Isadora turned to visual art and writing, drawing on her background in ballet for inspiration.

Isadora has written and illustrated numerous picture books, often focusing on dance, music, and multicultural themes. Her debut book, Max, was published in 1976. She is also recognized for her retellings of classic fairy tales set in African contexts, such as The Princess and the Pea and Rapunzel. Her illustrations are noted for their expressive style and use of various media, including oil paints and collage.

In 1976, Isadora received a Caldecott Honor for her book Ben’s Trumpet, which tells the story of a young boy inspired by jazz music. Over her career, she has published more than 200 books, both as an author and illustrator. Her work has been recognized by organizations such as the American Library Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Rachel Isadora’s book Ben’s Trumpet was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1976.