Mike Thaler, a prolific author-illustrator celebrated for his witty riddle books and beloved Black Lagoon Adventures series, passed away on March 23 in Yakima, Washington, at the age of 87.
Born Michael Charles Thaler on October 8, 1936, in Los Angeles, he was the son of Ben Thaler, a businessman, poet, and sculptor, and Jean Thaler. Despite not being initially drawn to reading as a child, Thaler discovered his passion for writing and drawing cartoons early on, inspired by his parents’ encouragement.
After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1955, Thaler pursued English and art studies at UCLA and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His cartoon series “The Majors” was published in UCLA’s newspaper, The Bruin.
In 1958, Thaler moved to New York City to pursue a career as a cartoonist for adults. However, his transition to children’s books began unexpectedly when an editor at Harper & Row saw his work and invited him to try his hand at children’s literature. This led to the publication of his first children’s book, “Magic Boy,” in 1961.
Thaler’s career flourished with a diverse array of projects, including cartoon satire magazines and writing for children’s television. In the 1970s, he returned to children’s books, writing several successful titles illustrated by other artists. His collaboration with illustrator Jared Lee resulted in over 95 humorous books, including the iconic Black Lagoon series, which began in 1989.
Throughout his prolific career, Thaler authored over 220 books for young readers, leaving a lasting legacy of humor and creativity. His dedication to connecting with children through laughter and inspiring them to pursue their dreams has endeared him to generations of readers.
Teresa Imperato, executive director at Scholastic, praised Thaler’s ability to bring joy and laughter to children, emphasizing the enduring impact of his stories. Jean Feiwel, publisher at Macmillan, fondly remembered Thaler as a funny and innovative author whose work left an indelible mark on children’s literature.
Mike Thaler’s legacy as a master storyteller and humorist will continue to resonate with readers, ensuring that his wit and wisdom live on for years to come.
