I’m always looking for voices; it’s an editor-thing.

I had some peripheral involvement in the development of the late Simms Taback’s most recent books for Blue Apple--List-o-mania and Dinosaurs. But I never worked directly with him, developing a book from onset to publication. So, I’m mostly his admirer and reader. And, boy oh boy, what a voice Mr. Taback had. When I think of his work, it’s not specific books or plots that jump out at me so much as a recollection of his great colors, and his characters’ eyes. Most times they were just two little black dots surrounded by a small-ish circle of color—although I am charmed by how much he seemed to like eyelashes, on cats, cows, donkeys, and goats. But, oh, the innocence, delight, fear, contentment, anger, exasperation, and friendliness that shone out from those eyes! How did he do it? Mr. Taback's words and pictures produced an artistic alchemy that’s largely inexplicable, but beautifully apparent.

We won’t get many more new books from Simms Taback. But his voice will ring out from pages, e-readers, and whatever technology serves as a conduit for great stories. It will imprint itself on new generations of children, and forever fans. Like me.

I am so grateful for that.