Northern Lights Book Awards
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist
Winner of the Arts Category
Author: Julie Leung
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
Schwartz & Wade
While the name Tyrus Wong may not ring a bell, we’re sure Walt Disney and the film Bambi does. After reading Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist, we’re equally sure his name will forever be etched in your memory. Whenever you think of Bambi, you will recall Tyrus’s contributions to this iconic film.
A hundred years ago, a young boy immigrated to the United States. Back in 1919, only Chinese immigrants of high status could become American citizens. Like so many immigrants at that time, his father pretended to be a successful merchant and Tyrus that merchant’s son. While sailing on the S.S. China, Tyrus had to study the life of the boy he was pretending to be. Because of that, he was called a paper son.
Although Tyrus did not enjoy academics in his American school, he loved to draw. One evening his father brought home a paint brush and Tyrus began learning Chinese calligraphy. From there, he developed a passion for painting.
After attending the Otis Art Institute, he got an entry-level position at Walt Disney Studios. There he learned Disney was working on a new film about a fawn who lost his mother. Walt was dissatisfied with the backgrounds the animators were creating, feeling they weren’t a good fit for the film. However, Wong, combining Eastern and Western styles, and influenced by the pangs of missing his own mother, was able to come up with unique backgrounds. Walt loved them and instructed his designers to follow Tyrus’s style.
Although Wong only received credit as a background artist, he followed his inspiration and painted his own path in life. He never stopped painting and his work will live on.
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist combines soft watercolors to tell a story of immigration, perseverance and an unsung artist.
You can view the full list of Northern Lights Book Award winners here:http://northerndawnawards.com/2019-northern-lights-book-awards-winners/
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