A roster of major American illustrators of books for children and young adults would include such names as Maurice Sendak, Ezra Jack Keats, Lynd Ward, Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, and Evaline Ness. Though each member of this impressive company of artists is unique in his or her own way, Evaline Ness belongs in the group because of her versatility, her talent and ability, and her consistency.

Ness entered the children's book field in 1954 and served a nine-year apprenticeship illustrating books by other writers. She began to receive national attention in 1964 when All in the Morning Early (1963), which she illustrated for Sorche Nic Leodhas, was selected as a runner-up for the Caldecott Medal. Her work warranted this recognition three years in a row before, finally, in 1967 she was awarded the medal for Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine (1966). In 1972 she achieved international recognition as the United States nominee for the Hans...