Trivia

Took no art classes in high school. Did not know art was a major in college until he saw it on the application form. Was accepted into the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor on the spot during a college recruitment interview after lying about taking private art lessons for years, and pleasing the recruiter with his comments on the work of Norman Rockwell. This was the last year the university accepted art students without a portfolio.

Received a MFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design. His primary area of expertise at RISD was sculpture, not drawing.

It was his elementary school art teacher wife who suggested to him that he should illustrate children's books (he was primarily a sculptor).

1982 Caldecott Medal winner for his artwork for "Jumanji".

1986 Caldecott Medal winner for his artwork for "The Polar Express".