Crockett Johnson, pen name for David Johnson Leisk, was born October, 20, 1906 in New York City. He was a well-known children's author and illustrator. In 1924 - 1925, Johnson studied art at Cooper Union and New York University. In 1942, his popular character "Barnaby" first appeared in the newspaper, PM, and was later syndicated into 52 American newspapers. Crockett's first children's book, Who's Upside Down? was published in 1952. His well-known series with his character Harold, began in 1955 with Harold and the Purple Crayon. Johnson married author Ruth Krauss in the early 1940s and illustrated three of her children's books including the popular 1945 book: The Carrot Seed. Johnson and Krauss lived in Rowayton, a small town on the shore of Long Island Sound and later lived in Westport. During the 1950s while in Rowayton, author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak spent many weekends at the Crockett's home as a friend and apprentice. Johnson passed away on July 11, 1975 of lung cancer.
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