George Shannon always dreamed of being a writer. He submitted his first children’s book manuscript when he was sixteen; it took only eleven more years of study and work for him to succeed with his first published “hit”— Lizard’s Song.
George worked for many years in schools and public libraries across the country, reshaping the world of books for young people in ways that challenged their minds and laid the foundation for a more humane society before settling on Bainbridge Island in 1993. At the same time, he has been creating his remarkable body of work that now includes over forty books for children and young adults together with several critical and bibliographic guides to children’s literature. His writing has received many honors, including the 2007 Children’s Book Award for Busy in the Garden, the 2008 State Book Award for Rabbit’s Gift, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
George is a serious student of folklore as well as an international storyteller who uses the magic of long-loved fables to speak to children of all cultures. Here on Bainbridge, he donates countless hours in support of our reading community.
He is an Island Treasure because of his inspired contributions as a professional writer, his unlimited generosity to the Island’s readers and writers of every age, and his passion for the magic of storytelling.