Picture This: How Pictures Work

Molly Bang is an American illustrator, writer, and educator who is known for her innovative approach to picture book design and her contributions to the field of visual literacy. Born in 1943 in Princeton, New Jersey, Bang grew up in a family that valued art and creativity. Her mother, Betsy Bang, was a children’s book illustrator, and her father, Garrett Bang, was an architect. Bang earned an undergraduate degree in French from Wellesley College in 1965 and subsequently completed a master’s degree in Far Eastern languages and literatures, beginning her studies at the University of Arizona and later finishing them at Harvard University. Afterward, Bang worked as a translator and language teacher before turning to children’s book illustration in the 1970s.

Throughout her career, Bang has illustrated and written dozens of picture books, many of which have won critical acclaim and awards. Her first book, The Goblins Giggle and Other Stories, was published in 1973, and she has since created over 30 books for children. Some of her most notable works include The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher (1980),Ten, Nine, Eight (1983), and When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry…, all of which were named Caldecott Medal Honor Books, one of the most prestigious children’s book awards.