Meindert De Jong: 'I write children's books... and I don't go hungry'

On the 120th anniversary of the author of 'The wheel on the school': he survived the Great depression, collected most major prizes, but couldn't overcome personal loss

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Meindert De Jong was an American children's writer of Dutch origin who became one of the most prominent authors of children's literature in the mid-20th century, receiving most of the highest honors in this field and appearing on Newbery Medal lists five times. The article tells the story of how De Jong survived emigration and the Great Depression, went hungry on a 'Depression farm,' turned to writing, produced a vast number of kind-hearted books, and was unable to overcome personal tragedy.

Why it matters

Meindert De Jong's life and work provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of an acclaimed children's author who navigated personal hardships and societal upheaval to create beloved stories that have endured for generations. His commitment to storytelling without overt moralizing resonates with the ethos of children's literature.

The details

De Jong was born in the Netherlands in 1906 and emigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1914 to avoid his older brother being drafted during World War I. After graduating college, he taught briefly before returning to his father's farm during the Great Depression, where he 'went hungry.' A librarian encouraged him to write children's books, and his debut, 'The Big Goose and the Little White Duck,' was published in 1938. De Jong went on to write 27 books, seven set in the Netherlands, many illustrated by Maurice Sendak. His most famous work, 'The Wheel on the School,' won the Newbery Medal in 1955.

  • Meindert De Jong was born on March 4, 1906.
  • The De Jong family emigrated to the U.S. in 1914.
  • De Jong graduated from Calvin College in 1928.
  • De Jong's debut book 'The Big Goose and the Little White Duck' was published in 1938.
  • 'The Wheel on the School' won the Newbery Medal in 1955.

The players

Meindert De Jong

An American children's writer of Dutch origin who became one of the most prominent authors of children's literature in the mid-20th century, receiving most of the highest honors in this field and appearing on Newbery Medal lists five times.

May G. Quigley

A librarian who encouraged De Jong to write children's books, leading to the publication of his debut work 'The Big Goose and the Little White Duck' in 1938.

Maurice Sendak

An illustrator who worked with De Jong, illustrating seven of his works including the classic 'The Wheel on the School.'

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What they’re saying

“There is absolutely no reason for you to be discouraged. I admit this is a difficult time in your writing life, but it won't last forever. You know and I know that you can write, feel, and think books better than all this bloodless competition, and you must remember that and get back to work, and sooner or later everything will work out again.”

— Ursula Nordstrom, Editor (Letter to Meindert De Jong in 1947)

“Nothing! Thank God, absolutely nothing!”

— Meindert De Jong (The New York Times)

The takeaway

Meindert De Jong's life and literary career exemplify the resilience, creativity, and commitment required to produce enduring works of children's literature, even in the face of personal hardship and societal upheaval. His emphasis on storytelling over moralizing continues to resonate with readers and writers alike.