Berta Hader

Berta and Elmer Hader were born in the late 1800s. They both loved art from an early age. They loved one another from nearly the first time they met. When Elmer returned from World War I they married, built their own home and built an incredible life. They were rich with friends and rich with talent. They created a great deal of magazine art and then, beginning in 1927, book art and writings for children. Their unique style was to both work on the very same illustration, passing a piece back and forth, each adding color, style and character, until they were both satisfied. They won the Caldecott Medal for THE BIG SNOW in 1949 and Caldecott Medal Honors in 1940 for COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO and in 1944 for THE MIGHTY HUNTER. They won accolades and support from adults and children alike during their long and diverse career. Fifty four of their own books were published and they illustrated another thirty seven for other authors. They were honored by their editors, their peers and generations of readers and admirers. That admiration continues today.