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.
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.
