Ruth Chrisman Gannett
Ruth Gannett, nee Chrisman, was born in California, USA in 1896. She attended UC Berkeley, receiving an A.B. in 1919 and an A.M. in 1920. She also studied at the Art Students League. She married her second husband, Lewis Stiles Gannett, in 1931, and illustrated several of his books. She collaborated with her step-daughter, Ruth Stiles Gannett, on several children's books, the
Elmer and the Dragon series, including the Newbery Honor book
My Father's Dragon. She also illustrated another Newbery book,
Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, winner in 1947.
Gannett illustrated both children's and adult books, and her work is noted for its detail, charm, and in the
Elmer books, its sense of humor. In 1946 she received as Caldecott Honor citation for
My Mother is the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. Gannett's illustrations have been praised for their detail and charm. She died in 1979.
Nationality: American
