Susanne Suba

Susanne Suba (1913–2012) emigrated from Hungary with her family as a young girl. She started drawing at the age of three, and studied art with her father, Miklos Suba, an architect and painter. After attending Pratt Institute, Suba pursued a career as an artist in New York City. She became a regular contributor to Publisher’s Weekly and illustrated a handful of covers and “spots” (small drawings) for The New Yorker beginning in the 1930s. Suba’s first illustrated book was Henry David Thoreau’s Life Without Principle. She went on to illustrate over 25 children’s books, including titles by her husband, Russell McCracken, as well as books she authored.

Upon her death, Suba gifted nearly 600 artworks to The Carle’s permanent collection. She also donated several rare first edition signed picture books, including ones by Ezra Jack Keats and William Steig.

Illustration of man in front of rows of birds.

Illustration of girl opening door in hall with checkered floor.

Illustration of elephant and other animals in lush landscape.

Illustration of various animals and people on blue background.

Illustration of giraffes looking at menus in restaurant.

Ginny Giraffe briefly leaves her home in the circus to visit her uncle, Gentleman Gerald Giraffe, at the zoo. Tired of the peanuts that children feed them, the duo decide to lunch at a sidewalk café. Suba’s red-checkered tablecloth adds a vivid splash of color to the composition.

Illustration of houses on fire and fire truck in front.

Illustration of giraffes and children playing.

Illustration of hound against red background.

Sonny-Boy Sim lives in “a little log house in the piney woods” with his Grandma, Grandpappy, and dog Homer. The boy and dog gleefully spend their days chasing deer, bears, and raccoons, while they fill their nights with dancing to the music of Grandpappy’s fiddle. Their exuberance proves contagious and soon wild animals emerge from the woods to join in the merriment.

Illustration of three people in cowboy hats sitting by fire.

Illustration of man sitting next to tree with rifle.

Illustration of woman serving man at table.

Illustration of woman sitting under tree with owl.

In Moon-Uncle, Suba gives visual form to a collection of rhymes, riddles, and lullabies from India. Her sketchy rendering leaves ample space for four poems, which were printed between the tree branches.

Illustration of mountain with people below.

Illustration of crowd and ethereal blue and green streaks overhead.

Featured Artists

Susanne Suba

Susanne Suba pursued her career in New York City after emigrating from Hungary as a child. A prolific artist, she regularly contributed to Publisher’s Weekly and illustrated over 25 children’s books.

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Susanne Suba

Susanne Suba