Picture a vibrant illustrator whose brushstrokes breathe life into children’s stories—meet James E. Ransome! Born in rural North Carolina, this award-winning artist has transformed children’s literature with his emotive, colorful illustrations. From humble beginnings with no formal art classes to earning prestigious accolades like the Coretta Scott King Award, Ransome’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. His work, featured in over 70 books and iconic murals, captures the heart of African American history and culture, making him a beloved figure in storytelling.
The Making of James E. Ransome
James E. Ransome was born on September 25, 1961, in Rich Square, North Carolina, where art was scarce but imagination was abundant. With no art classes at school, young James taught himself by borrowing how-to-draw books from the library. After moving to Bergenfield, New Jersey, during high school, he discovered filmmaking and photography, shaping his dynamic illustration style. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, mentored by the renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney, and recently completed an MFA in Painting from Lesley University.
James E. Ransome’s Unforgettable Illustrations
Ransome’s illustrations are a vivid tapestry of African American life, blending realism with emotional depth. His breakthrough came with Uncle Jed’s Barbershop (1993), a heartfelt story of perseverance that earned a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. The Creation (1994) won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and an IBBY Honor Award, showcasing his ability to elevate poetic texts with striking visuals. Before She Was Harriet (2017), illustrated for his wife Lesa Cline-Ransome’s text, celebrates Harriet Tubman’s legacy and earned another Coretta Scott King Honor. The Bell Rang (2019), which he wrote and illustrated, captures the resilience of enslaved families, earning critical acclaim. Ransome’s style—marked by fluid figures and rich textures—brings history and humanity to life, often featured on PBS’s Reading Rainbow and Storytime.
Beyond books, Ransome’s murals grace institutions like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, weaving stories into public spaces. His work, influenced by masters like John Singer Sargent and Edgar Degas, balances narrative pacing with visual storytelling, a nod to his early filmmaking studies.
Why James E. Ransome Matters
James E. Ransome’s impact on children’s literature is profound, making African American stories visible and vibrant for generations. His art bridges historical and contemporary experiences, earning him the 2023 Children’s Literature Legacy Award from the American Library Association. As an emeritus professor at Syracuse University and Pratt Institute, he inspires new artists, while his traveling exhibit, Visual Stories, showcases his legacy nationwide. Ransome’s collaboration with his wife, Lesa Cline-Ransome, has produced beloved titles, cementing their status as a powerhouse duo in children’s literature.
- Born: September 25, 1961, Rich Square, North Carolina
- Key Works: Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, The Creation, Before She Was Harriet, The Bell Rang
- Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, NAACP Image Award, 2023 Children’s Literature Legacy Award
Snag Before She Was Harriet or The Bell Rang and dive into James E. Ransome’s vibrant world of storytelling!