Ed Emberley is a well-known name in the field of children’s books, He has been he recipient of the highest awards in the field, including the Caldecott Medal for “Drummer Hoff” and the Caldecott Honor Book Award for “One Wide River”. His books have been praised by many: The New York Times over the years has chosen Emberley books among its annual selections for the “Best Illustrated Books of the Year,” and many of Mr. Emberley’s books have been selected by the American Library Association for the annual Notable Children's Book Lists. But the Emberley success story is not limited to the praise of critics or to awards and honors. His work has reached schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes because Ed Emberley can turn anyone into an “artist.” 

Ed was born in Malden, Massachusetts, grew up in Cambridge, and studied painting and illustration at the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston. After two years in the army, Ed completed his formal training at the Rhode Island School of Design.  

The Emberley family moved to Ipswich in 1968 where they have written and/or illustrated more than 100 books for children. Although most people are aware that Barbara Emberley, Ed’s wife, has frequently joined forces with Ed on book projects, few are aware of the part his children, Michael and Rebecca, have played. They too, have worked on Ed’s books, helping move projects from the beginning idea to completion. Ed purchased his first computer in 1991 and now uses it to create all the artwork for his books. Barbara is now retired. Michael and Rebecca are busy writing and publishing books of their own. 

As for the present and the future Ed says, ”I plan to continue publishing books of my own, I am collaborating with my daughter Rebecca on a series of children’s books and I am be looking forward to having more time for skiing, kayaking, sailing, and reading.”