Bill Sokol Mid Century Childrens Book Illustrator
Bill Sokol is rather elusive online, apart from his sad obituary from the NY Times in 2004 and his fabulous book illustrations, there is little info to discover.
I did track down this little gem which tells us a little more.
He must have illustrated about 40 books from the mid sixties onward. Many for children, joke books, stories, fables and even…
… one or two with his wife Camille.
Interesting to see his wide variety of styles.
Books on how to sew.
Some for the space cadets.
Or those who like animals.
Or nature.
Books for teenagers.
About history and legends.
Books for adults too.
Here’s a small selection of the covers he has created.
Alvin was obviously a popular choice.
Life in the woods for Proffit the Fox.
Naturally I love these sixties posters, don’t they just make your mind feel relaxed straight away.
If anyone knows any more info about this wonderful illustrator, do send me a message. Thank you and Happy Monday to everyone.
fishinkblog.com 
Ah! That was blissful! What a huge talent! I see his groovy, charming drawings and I am instantly transported back to the 60’s – where colours were defiantly vivid – orange, yellow, avocado green…I feel 7 years old again! Thanks for this treat, Craig – I suppose the only way to get hold of any of these delightful books, is to rummage through the boxes at your local church fete – that’s where I find all my out-of-print gems!
Thanks Deirdre, glad it hit the spot lol yes church fetes, eBay, etsy, secondhand bookshops, I never find things like this in charity shops .. the Oxfams of this world are wise to collectibles these days. Perhaps rightly so.
What a gem, and how interesting that he was an AD at the New York Times. Once again, a great discovery through Fishink. Thanks!
A pleasure as always, thanks for your comments too.
Yes, I know the artist quite well. He was my father!!
Where did you this All this material as I have the originals,
Kathy Sokol
I recently come across the Lucky Sew-It-Yourself book and it’s so charming! I want to collect all of his books. I found prints of some of the summer posters for sale online (amazon and walmart) but I wish there were more of his prints available. You must know your father is an incredible illustrator, and I am so glad to have learned about him. As a maker myself thanks to a creative mom, he is truly inpsiring!
How wonderful.
I remember when my parents were working on The Lucky Sew-It-Yourself
Book. They had my sister as the test control.
Where did you find a copy??
I am always interested to know where people found copies of my parent’s books
Kathy Sokol
Hi Kathy, hope you are well. I think I found the images online as I don’t own a copy.
I just found a 1957 copy of “A Child’s Book of Dreams” at a thrift store today for $1.25. It is absolutely delightful!
Great bews, there maybe more about Mr Sokol soon too. Keep watching !