From the pages of Golden Books and the pen of Tibor Gergely, a cast of magical and mechanical creations emerged that has captivated children and adults for over sixty years.

Shortly after his arrival in New York in 1939, Gergely met Georges Duplaix, head of production at Artists and Writers Guild.  In 1940 they collaborated on Topsy Turvy Circus, published by Harper and Brothers; The Merry Shipwreck was published by Harper the following year.

The predominant characteristics of Gergely's style were evident from the first - strong, bright color; flat surfaces with bold outlines; crowded, bustling scenes creating a dynamic sense of movement and life.

Gergely did some of his best work illustrating animal stories, especially those in which the tables are turned and the animals have a chance to exhibit a very human spirit of mischief and adven-ture.  He also excelled in bringing a lively sense of excitement and adventure to trains, boats, planes and automobiles.

Gergely soon became a legendary Golden Book artist, illustrating the works of many of their most beloved authors.  With Gertrude Crampton, he created two of the most famous children's book characters of all times:  Scuffy the Tugboat and Tootle the Engine.

For Margaret Wise Brown, Gergely illustrated Seven Little Postmen and Five Little Firemen, ever-popular Little Golden Books.    In 1954 they collaborated on the Wheel on the Chimney.  This tale, for which Gergely received a Caldecott Honor, is one of his finest efforts.

In the sixty-plus years since their publication in the 1940’s, Tibor Gergely's illustrations have become etched into the consciousness of generations.  Scuffy the Tugboat and Tootle the Engine have never been out of print and have been translated into 17 languages.

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