Gene Zion
Gene (Eugene) Zion (b. Oct. 5, 1913, New York, New York; d. Dec. 5, 1975, New York, New York) was an author of picture books.
Zion was educated at the New School of Social Research and the Pratt Institute. Following graduation, he worked for Condé Nast, Esquire Publications, and later CBS. Beginning in 1949, he worked as a freelance writer and designer until his death in 1975.
In 1948, Zion married artist Margaret Bloy Graham and the two began a collaboration in which Zion wrote the text of a children’s picture book and Graham did all the illustrations. They worked together on 13 books between 1951 and 1965. When their marriage ended in 1968, Zion ended his writing career as well.
Zion’s most famous character is a playful and curious dog named Harry, who appears in several books, including Harry the Dirty Dog and Harry by the Sea.
Zion died in 1975, age 62.
Bibliography
- Zion, G. (1951). All Falling Down. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1954). Hide and Seek Day. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1955). The Summer Snowman. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1956). Harry the Dirty Dog. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1956). Really Spring. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1957). Dear Garbage Man. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1957). Jeffie’s Party. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1958). No Roses for Harry! Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1959). The Plant Sitter. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1960). Harry and the Lady Next Door. Harpercollins.
- Zion, G. (1962). The Meanest Squirrel I Ever Met. Scribners.
- Zion, G. (1965). Harry by the Sea. Harpercollins.