Donald Sobol, author of the children's book series "Encyclopedia Brown," has died at the age of 87.
He was born in New York and served in World War II. After attending Oberlin College, he worked as a journalist in New York, then left to pursue a writing career in 1951. Although he was having some success, his "Encyclopedia Brown" manuscript was turned down two dozen times before it found a publisher.
Persevere, and don’t take no for an answer. And if you really think [the publishers] are right, then look over the manuscript and polish it a little more.
The first book, "Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective" was published by T. Nelson in 1963. Incredibly popular, Sobol was soon following up with more stories about the 10-year-old Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown and his partner, tomboy Sally Kimball. Eventually, there would be almost 30 books in the series, which has never gone out of print.
Sobol, who tried to remain anonymous, did not give
television interviews and preferred not to be photographed. In the Oberlin Almnmi Magazine (2011), he said:
I am very content with staying in the background and letting the books do the talking.
So we say goodbye to one of the masters of the chapter book series. I remember his books fondly from my days of teaching third and fourth grades. His books were particularly favorites of boys, although I certainly remember girls having fun with his gentle mysteries as well. Thank you, Mr. Sobol.
Persevere, and don’t take no for an answer. And if you really think [the publishers] are right, then look over the manuscript and polish it a little more.
The first book, "Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective" was published by T. Nelson in 1963. Incredibly popular, Sobol was soon following up with more stories about the 10-year-old Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown and his partner, tomboy Sally Kimball. Eventually, there would be almost 30 books in the series, which has never gone out of print.
Sobol, who tried to remain anonymous, did not give
television interviews and preferred not to be photographed. In the Oberlin Almnmi Magazine (2011), he said:
I am very content with staying in the background and letting the books do the talking.
So we say goodbye to one of the masters of the chapter book series. I remember his books fondly from my days of teaching third and fourth grades. His books were particularly favorites of boys, although I certainly remember girls having fun with his gentle mysteries as well. Thank you, Mr. Sobol.
My kids just loved these books when they were starting to read longer books. I kind of wish we could "stay in the background and let the books do the talking" these days.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Karen. His attitude was so wholesome, and it made me appreciate him more.
DeleteMany thanks for your comment!
It was a lovely tribute Nancy. Back then I guess you could stay in the background and get away with it. He may not have made it in this day and age I'm with Karen, it would be nice to just write and leave the rest to someone else. So much for dreaming.
ReplyDeleteI was talking with my critique group just today. Such a different world in writing today. The good old days sound, well, good!
DeleteThanks for your comment!
My goodness, it seems like everytime I turn around we are saying goodbye to another favorite writer...my boys liked his stories very much, and that was no small feat!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does seem that way, Sharon. Maybe this will be it for a while...Hope so, and thanks for your comment.
DeleteThanks, Nancy, for this warm tribute to Donald Sobol. Saying goodbye to great authors who are passing, makes me nostalgic for past simpler times. But when we were living them they didn't seem so simple, did they? Now we have to do a lot of networking and marketing to get the word out. Not simple now either, but worth persevering.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a different time in so many ways, Penelope. In those days, publishing houses did so much marketing, as we know. Thanks for your comment. Much appreciated!
DeleteI remember Encyclopedia Brown books.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many of us do and what an impact Mr. Sobol made. I appreciate your comment, Susanne!
DeleteThanks for posting, Nancy. Many who have made wonderful cotributions to children's literature often go unrecognized on their passing, even by by those who may have read their books.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, isn't it? I thought much the same thing on seeing that Mr. Sobol had died. He leaves a legacy of happy boy readers, and that is really something!
DeleteThanks for your comment, as always.