Fun Fact Fiesta Logo

Discover the Whimsical World of Jan Brett: Top 8 Fun Facts About the Beloved Children's Author

illustration of jan-brett
Dive into the whimsical world of Jan Brett and discover delightful tidbits about the enchanting author and illustrator behind those beloved children's books!

1. Reindeer Expert Jan Brett

Who needs Santa's sleigh when you can ride with Jan Brett, the Marco Polo of children's books? This prodigious explorer has roamed far and wide in search of inspiration: From her escapade in Lapland, Finland, she gleaned insights about real reindeer to create an enchantingly accurate picture book – "The Wild Christmas Reindeer" with a touch of expertise and magic in every brush stroke.
Source => janbrett.com

2. Globetrotting Illustrator

Who says world travel is for the birds? For Jan Brett, it's all about drawing them accurately: From venturing to the scenic mountains of Guilin, China, just to sketch a specific chicken breed for her book Daisy Comes Home, to traipsing through the wilds of Norway, Jan's art is filled with dedication and craftsmanship. Her heartwarming stories are as intricate as their borders, foreshadowing events with graphic panels that charm both kids and adults alike.
Source => lithub.com

3. Hedgehog Detective

You've heard of Where's Waldo; well, get ready for Jan Brett's version called Spot the Hedgehog: This whimsical illustrator harbors a love for hedgehogs, subtly featuring them in over half of her children's books, from "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" bedpost carvings to the star of "Hedgie's Surprise," but there's no evidence she's ever owned one as a prickly companion.
Source => janbrett.com

4. A Cherished Literary Heirloom

If "Annie and The Wild Animals" were a family heirloom, it'd be that cozy, vintage blanket with love woven into every stitch: this cherished Jan Brett book not only captured the hearts of generations but also sparked the flame of the author's own passion for writing and illustrating picture books when she'd reminisce about its tattered covers on the shelves of her childhood home alongside her sister.
Source => readbrightly.com

Literary Chameleon

5. Literary Chameleon

If Jan Brett were an animal, she'd be a literary chameleon with a paintbrush for a tail: this talented children's author and illustrator has created over 35 classic books, enchanting young minds with her intricate artwork and vivid storytelling that often feature animals and their natural habitats.
Source => janbrett.com

6. Animal Kingdom's Top Model

Watch out, America's Next Top Model: the animal kingdom is ready for its close-up! Jan Brett's furry and feathered friends are striking a pose and working the pages of her books, hitting angles Tyra Banks would be proud of: Jan Brett actually uses real-life animal models to inspire the delightful characters in her books, ensuring they possess unique expressions and true-to-life personalities.
Source => 2017illustratorblogmartininfo263-10.weebly.com

7. Poultry-ificent Book Tours

Why did the chicken cross the road? To join Jan Brett on a poultry-ific book tour, of course: Brett promoted her book Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by bringing two of her very own clucky inspirations, a Silver Phoenix hen named Cinders and a Silkie hen as the fairy godmother, on a tour bus to the Ohio National Poultry Show and has owned chickens for over 20 years, using them as muse-worthy models for her illustrations.
Source => dispatch.com

8. Jan Brett's Passport to Imagination

Who knew Jan Brett was a globetrotting artist and author with a suitcase full of vivid stories and illustrations, ready to whisk you away to fantastical worlds of her own making? Buckle your seatbelts and pack your passport: Jan's renowned children's books have taken eager young readers to Denmark, Switzerland, Namibia, and her recent creation, "Cozy", explores the frosty charm of Alaska, where she's no stranger to enchanting both kids and adults with adventure-filled stories and breathtaking art.
Source => janbrett.com

Related Fun Facts