Aliki Brandenberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | Aliki Liacouras September 3, 1929 Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Pen name | Aliki |
| Occupation | Author, illustrator |
| Alma mater | Philadelphia Museum School of Art |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Notable works | Fossils Tell of Long Ago, Mummies Made in Egypt, Feelings |
| Spouse | Franz Brandenberg (died June 3, 2022) |
| Children | Jason, Alexa |
Aliki Liacouras Brandenberg or pen name Aliki (born September 3, 1929) is an American author and illustrator of books for children.[1][2]
Brandenberg was born in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, to James Peter and Stella (née Lagakos) Liacouras. Her parents, who lived in Philadelphia, were originally from Greece, and they taught her to speak Greek as a first language. She started to draw at an early age, and her parents enrolled her in art classes. She also took piano lessons.[1][2]
After graduating from the Philadelphia Museum School of Art in 1951, Brandenberg worked briefly at the J. C. Penney Company in New York, in that company's display department. She then moved back to Philadelphia and worked as a freelance artist, creating art for advertising and display purposes. She also taught classes in art, worked as a muralist, and started a greeting card company.[1][2]
In 1956 Brandenberg decided to explore her Greek heritage, as well as many other parts of Europe. During her travels she met Franz Brandenberg, whom she married the following year. After moving to Franz's native Switzerland, Brandenberg wrote her first book, The Story of William Tell, about the legendary Swiss archer.[1] The book, published in 1960, was well received. Brandenberg and her husband moved to New York, where Brandenberg began in earnest her long career as an illustrator and author of books for children.[2]
She has written and illustrated many books and she has also illustrated books for other authors, including her husband Franz Brandenberg. Brandenberg's career as an author and illustrator led her to explore many subjects of historic and scientific interest. Her nonfiction books, either written by herself or by others, touch upon matters as varied as dinosaurs, mammoths, book manufacturing, Shakespeare, evolution, and growing up. Aliki's fictional works explore such themes as family and friendship. Brandenberg's Greek heritage is also a recurring theme in her works, both fiction and nonfiction.[2]
Brandenberg and her husband Franz moved to London, England in 1977, and after 35 years they moved back to New York City, where she continues to write books for children.[1][2][3]
She has two children, Jason and Alexa.[1][4] Alexa is a children's book author and illustrator of several books, including I am Me!
In 1991 she won the Pennsylvania School Librarians' Association Award.[1]
