Bill Peet
Bill Peet was an influential American animator, author, and illustrator, born on January 29, 1915, in Grandview, Indiana. He grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, which fostered his passion for drawing as a coping mechanism. Despite facing academic difficulties due to his constant sketching, he pursued art seriously after receiving a scholarship to the Herron Art Institute. In 1937, Peet joined Walt Disney Studios, where he excelled as both an animator and storyteller, contributing to iconic films like "101 Dalmatians" and various short films and television series. After a long career at Disney, Peet transitioned to writing, publishing his first children's book, "Hubert's Hair-Raising Adventure," in 1959. Over his lifetime, he authored and illustrated 35 children's books, often featuring imaginative animals and themes centered on environmentalism and compassion. His notable works earned him recognition, including a Caldecott Honor and induction as a Disney Legend in 1996. Bill Peet passed away on May 11, 2002, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire young readers and artists alike.
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Subject Terms
Bill Peet
Illustrator
- Born: January 29, 1915
- Birthplace: Grandview, Indiana
- Died: May 11, 2002
- Place of death: Studio City, California
Biography
Bill Peet was born in Grandview, Indiana, on January 29, 1915. He spent his childhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. His childhood was difficult because his family lived in poverty and his father was a road salesman who was away much of the time. Peet compensated for his family life by learning to draw at an early age. Unfortunately, he was often in trouble at school because he sketched constantly, and as a result he did not do well in his classes. He attended Technical High School and although he was interested in drawing, he did not enroll in any art classes. After high school, he received a scholarship to the Herron Art Institute, where he met his future wife.
In 1937, Peet began working for Walt Disney Studios as an animator. Because of his talents as both an animator and storyteller, he quickly advanced at the studio. Within a year, he was working in the story department. He worked on several well- known Disney feature films, including 101 Dalmations, for which he wrote the script. He also worked on several short films and for the Disney television series Disneyland. After twenty-seven years at the Walt Disney Studios, and occasional clashes with Walt Disney, Peet retired to become a full-time writer.
Peet’s first book, Hubert’s Hair-Raising Adventure, was published in 1959 while he was still employed at Disney. He eventually wrote and illustrated thirty-five books, mostly for children, throughout his lifetime. Peet’s illustrations often featured fanciful animals, and his storylines offered lessons on the environment and caring for others. His 1989 book, Bill Peet: An Autobiography, won him a Southern California Children’s Book Writer’s medal and was designated a Caldecott Honor Book. In 1996, Peet was inducted as a Disney Legend. He died on May 11, 2002, at his home in Studio City, California.