Born:
 1936
Los Angeles, California,
United States Of America

Current Home:
Canby, Oregon,
United States Of America

Mike Thaler

Biography

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Watch a video interview with Mike Thaler. 

"The most powerful nation in the world is IMAGINATION."

Mike Thaler believes that story writing and riddles are the most useful tools in stimulating children's awareness of language and its creative use. An award-winning author and illustrator, Mike travels the world sharing his message with teachers and children.

Mike has written over 140 books for children of all ages. He has also created word play games, software, and audiocassettes. He created and wrote "Letterman" for TV’s Electric Co. In addition, he launched the Jell-O Reading Rocket Program to motivate children to read.

Mike was born in Los Angeles in 1936. After moving to New York City, he started his professional career drawing cartoons for adults. A children's book editor saw one of these cartoons and encouraged Mike to write children's books. The attempt was successful and Magic Boy was published in 1962. 140 books later, Mike has been called "one of the most creative people in children's books today." Thaler now lives in Canby, Oregon, surrounded by his family, friends, and yellow, his favorite color.

Booklists/Awards

The Cafeteria Lady from the Black Lagoon
1999
IRA Children’s Choice Award

Cinderella Bigfoot, Hanzel & Pretzel, Princess and the Pea, and Schmoe White and the 7 Dorfs
1998
#1 Pick, USA Today

The Librarian from the Black Lagoon
1997

The Bully Brothers at the Beach
1996

The Bully Brothers: Making the Grade
1995

The Principal from the Black Lagoon
1993

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon
1989

• Teacher Store
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  The Teacher Store

  Black Lagoon Adventures: The Christmas Party from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee Just when you thought it was safe to come back to the classroom! The horror continues as the ever-comical picture books come to early chapter books. A youngster's fearful anticipation of the new and unknown is again hilariously illustrated, as playfully frightful adventures culminate in tremendous relief when our wary young hero's fears are ultimately unfounded. It's time to party in the Black Lagoon! At the class Christmas party, everyone has to exchange gifts. And, of course, Hubie has $1.00 You save: 75% Paperback Book | Grades 3-5

  
  Black Lagoon Adventures: The Christmas Party from the Black Lagoon
  Grades 3-5 $1.00
  
• Scholastic Store
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  The Scholastic Store

  Black Lagoon Adventures: The Little League Team from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee Hubie just HAS to make the Little League team this spring! But to make the team he needs a new mitt. Thankfully, his mom buys him one. Hubie practices day and night to get ready for the tryouts -- and nobody better lay their mitts on his mitt! But will all his work be enough for him to make the cut? $3.19 You save: 20% books;paperbacks;paperbacks | Ages 9-12

  
  Black Lagoon Adventures: The Little League Team from the Black Lagoon
  Ages 9-12 $3.19