Author: Kate Greenaway

Kate Greenaway (1846–1901) was an English Victorian artist and writer, known for her beautiful children”s book illustrations that defined the Greenaway style, typified by sweet, delicate, and often whimsical drawings of childlike figures in idyllic English landscapes. Her distinctive work often featured children dressed in Regency period fashions and was marked by their clarity, elegance, and simplicity. Greenaway”s popularity during her lifetime was immense, with her images widely reproduced on greeting cards, calendars, and an array of other merchandise, influencing the aesthetics of children”s literature and illustration at the time. One of her most popular books, “A Apple Pie” (1886), encapsulates the charm and simplicity of her artistic vision. It is an alphabet book that takes the reader through the letters A to Z, using the theme of an apple pie to teach children their ABCs. Each plate in the book features children engaging in various activities with a giant apple pie—a favorite nursery subject—making the learning process endearing and memorable. “A Apple Pie” remains a classic example of Greenaway”s contribution to children”s literature. Her artwork remains influential, and she was a recipient of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, an award named in her honor, which is given to outstanding illustrators of children”s books.