Author Marguerite de Angeli's vibrant career was shaped by her nearly century-long passion for the arts. She was born Marguerite Lofft on March 14, 1889, in Lapeer, Michigan. Her artistic spirit was alive and active from the time she was but two years old, dabbling with some drawing pastels that she happened upon in an empty room. Marguerite held to her sensibilities, which extended to writing and singing as well as art, and by the time she was twenty-one had distinguished herself as a talented and promising concert contralto. Before this career opportunity became full-fledged, she met and married John de Angeli, and they brought up six children in their New Jersey home. Willingly Marguerite relinquished her singing for the occupations of motherhood; indeed, her family was always her priority, and she rectified any unfulfilled artistic longings of her own by striving to give her children a joyful childhood. Still, her inclinations beckoned to her, and before long her illustrations were appearing in magazines and other authors' works. Marguerite's own first books, which she also illustrated, were published in 1935. This was but the beginning of her fifty-year career, during which she received several prestigious literary awards. Her beloved books follow many different stories, from fairy tales to family anecdotes to authentically-flavored historical fiction. Marguerite de Angeli died at the age of ninety-eight in 1987, leaving a marvelous legacy of literature for all ages. She is, moreover, a bright example of aritistic passion, and of spirited enthusiasm in pursuing her interests.
Works by Marguerite de Angeli:
- Ted and Nina Go to the Grocery Store
- Ted and Nina Have a Happy Rainy Day
- Henner's Lydia
- Petite Suzanne
- Copper-Toed Boots
- Skippack School
- A Summer Day with Ted and Nina
- Thee, Hannah!
- Elin's Amerika
- Up the Hill
- Yonie Wondernose
- Turkey for Christmas
- Bright April
- Jared's Island
- Door in the Wall
- Just Like David
- Book of Nursery Rhymes and Mother Goose Rhymes
- Black Fox of Lorne
- Old Testament (illustrated)
- A Pocket Full of Posies
- Marguerite de Angeli's Book of Favorite Hymns
- The Goose Girl
- Butter at the Old Price
- Fiddlestrings
- Lion in the Box
- Whistle for the Crossing
- Friedship and Other Poems
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