Introduction
Michael Martchenko (born August 1, 1942) is a Canadian illustrator best known for illustrating many of the stories of Robert Munsch.
Life
Born in Carcassonne, France, Michael moved to Canada when he was seven, where he graduated from the Ontario College of Art. His early interest in drawing became apparent when he began creating his own depictions of his favourite comic books. Mike's fame in high school, Glenview Park Secondary School, Cambridge ON, was based on the realistic "flip page" comics that adorned every one of his school texts and workbooks.
Martchenko and his wife, Patricia, live in Toronto, Ontario.
Work
Although Martchenko began his career as a commercial artist, he was later approached by Robert Munsch and Annick Press representatives to consider a career in children’s book illustrating after they saw his work at a graphic arts exhibition. His first Munsch book was 1980's The Paper Bag Princess after his six-year-old daughter read the story; he is now the go-to illustrator for Munsch books.
In 1984, Martchenko began his artistic partnership with Allen Morgan, author of the "Matthew’s Midnight Adventure" series. It was not until 1990 that he first authored and illustrated his own book, Birdfeeder Banquet. His second self-authored and illustrated book, Ma, I’m a Farmer, was published in 2003.
Aside from his passion for illustrating children’s books, Martchenko also has an interest in aviation and military art and history.
Books Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
As author
- Birdfeeder Banquet (1990)
- Ma, I’m a Farmer (2003)
As illustrator only
With Robert Munsch
- 50 Below Zero
- Angela's Airplane
- The Boy in the Drawer
- The Dark
- David's Father
- The Fire Station
- From Far Away
- Hugs
- I Did It Because...
- I Have to Go!
- Jonathan Cleaned Up—Then He Heard a Sound
- Kiss Me, I'm Perfect
- Moira's Birthday
- Mortimer
- Murmel, Murmel, Murmel
- No clean clothes
- The Paper Bag Princess: 25th Anniversary Edition
- The Paper Bag Princess
- Pigs
- Playhouse
- Show and Tell
- Something Good
- Stephanie's Ponytail
- Thomas' Snowsuit
- Wait and See
- Smelly Socks
- Zoom
With Allen Morgan
- Matthew & the Midnight Tow Truck
- Matthew & the Midnight Turkeys
- Matthew & the Midnight Money Van
- Matthew & the Midnight Hospital
- Matthew & the Midnight Firefighter
- Matthew & the Midnight Wrecker
- Matthew & the Midnight Movie
- Matthew & the Midnight Flood