James Flora Papers

James R. Flora was born January 25, 1914, in Bellefontaine, OH, and died in Rowayton, CT, on July 9, 1998. He was a magazine and album cover designer and illustrator, and author and illustrator of children's books. Known for his distinctive artwork, that combines elements of surrealism with cartoonish drawings, Flora is also recognized as one of the first artists to create illustrated covers for record albums. In 1939 Flora formed the Little Man Press with writer Robert Lowry, and together they published books and pamphlets till 1942. That year he began working as an art director and slaes promotion manager for Columbia Records. Eight years later he began his first children's book, The Fabulous Fireworks Family, after receiving encouragement from Margaret McElderry, juvenile editor at Harcourt Brace. It was published in 1955 and was an American Library Association Notable Book. Altogether he wrote and illustrated 17 books for children.