Charles Santore Legacy

Cider Mill Press celebrates the life and legacy of their New York Times Bestselling illustrator and children's book author, Charles Santore (1935-2019).

 

 

"It was a true honor to be Charlie's publisher," says Cider Mill Press founder and publisher John Whalen. "We were frequently discussing what his next book project might be. I’ve never met any other illustrator quite like him. His dedication to research was unparalleled. He never included a detail in his artwork that wasn’t historically or anatomically accurate. The setting for his bestselling edition of The Night Before Christmas is a historical home in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1823 — the same year the poem was originally published. The architecture, the wallpaper, the furniture, the clothing, and holiday decorations were all true to the time period of the poem. He cared passionately and worked tirelessly to insure that his painting was true and honest. He was a renaissance man — a painter, illustrator, an expert on antique Windsor chairs, a lover of literature, and a dear friend. I will miss his good company. I will miss hearing the sound of his distinct voice, the lilt of his laughter, and the awe-inspiring experience of watching him work in his studio. Thankfully, Charlie and I planned to release a massive 500+ page volume of his work, a retrospective volume of his extraordinary illustrations, The Illustrated Treasury of Classic Children’s Stories. It’s now our tribute to his wonderful life illustrating children’s books." ​