Through the Looking Glass and What I Found There

​The illustrator and writer, Leonard Weisgard is one family member I really wish I'd had the chance to meet. 

The Caldecott award-winning illustrator of more than 200 children’s books was my Dad's first cousin - and shared his first name. But I'd never heard of him until a few my uncle mentioned him a few years ago.

Mr Peaceable Paints. Written and illustrated by Leonard Weisgard

My Dad was not enthusiastic about my pursuit of an artistic career so it might be that he thought it expedient not to mention his namesake or he simply may not have known much about him back in that pre-Google era.

Page from Who Dreams of Cheese? Written & illustrated by Leonard Weisgard (1963)

Weisgard's whimsical illustrations came back into my life today when I accidentally came across a feature on them on Brain Pickings.

His breathtaking illustrations include such classics as Alice Through the Looking Glass, and The Wizard of Oz. But Weisgard's talent didn't stop with illustration. He also studied dance with Martha Graham and wrote a number of children's books himself!

Illustration by Leonard Weisgard from The Wizard of Oz

You can see more of his work here on the website created by his children as a tribute or on Flickr and Pinterest.

Tales from Shakespeare illustrated by Leonard Weisgard

More exciting illustrations

If you like Alice, check out these amazing illustrations by Salvador Dalí!