John Sandford
Over the years, John Sandford has illustrated many challenging assignments in both fiction and non-fiction. Extensive research in South Dakota was necessary to learn the culture, dress, and tools of the Lakota Sioux for Eve Bunting’s Moonstick, The Seasons of the Sioux. To show a day in the life of an Amish family, John studied the world of the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for Barbara Mitchell’s Down Buttermilk Lane. Tale of a Tail, a Hungarian folktale by Judit Bodnar, features animal characters in traditional Magyar costume detailed with embroidered patterns, and wearing historical headwear. A variety of media is used to create vivid narratives for readers: each assignment is given individual treatment to suit the character and mood of the story.
Booklist said of his illustrations in Snug, “Sandford captures the warmth of the domestic scenes to perfection, but his beautiful, mysterious pictures of outdoors at night will be even more fascinating to preschoolers."
Publishers Weekly said of Tale of a Tail: “The artist contrasts the warm, earthy hues of the fox's hearth with the shimmering tones of the winter wonderland outside. A tale to stand alongside the timeworn favorites.”
Sandford’s work has garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, CBC selections, and a Parent’s Choice Gold medal among other honors. John and his wife Frances live in Chicago’s North Park neighborhood.