My mother-in-law, Beverly Johnston, was an avid reader with an endless curiosity. Her love for books lasted well into her late 90s, and she was also a talented artist, creating illustrations for children’s books, coloring books, and greeting cards.
One of Beverly’s favorite childhood books was The White Kitten and The Blue Plate, illustrated by Inez Hogan and first published in 1930. The book’s playful story and delicate illustrations had a lasting influence on Beverly, sparking her artistic journey.
A Simple Story with Lasting Impact
At the core of the story is a curious white kitten who becomes fascinated with a blue plate. This innocent mischief leads to a series of gentle, low-stakes mishaps that resolve with reassurance and a subtle lesson. The simple yet comforting narrative had a profound impact on Bev as a child.
For years, Bev couldn’t remember the exact title of the book, and we struggled to find it, as it was out of print. Recently, I dug into old book titles and, to my surprise, found a match. After some searching, I found a few copies for sale on rare book websites.
The Influence of Inez Hogan
Inez Hogan, born in 1895, was a prominent illustrator of children’s books, with over 60 works to her name. Her gentle illustrations undoubtedly left a mark on Bev’s artistic style. I’m convinced that Hogan’s work shaped Bev’s creative vision, both as a child and as an artist.
Bev’s Artistic Journey
Born in 1929, Bev graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1953 and worked for Barry & Fink Advertising and then at Hallmark Cards, where young women artists wore white gloves while illustrating. Later, she worked as an independent illustrator from her home studio alongside her husband, also a designer. Bev passed away in 2020, but her artwork lives on, a testament to her unique perspective.
A Personal Connection
Finding The White Kitten and The Blue Plate brought me closer to Bev. It felt like a meaningful way to reconnect with her childhood joy and creativity. Wherever she is, I like to think she’s smiling down at those illustrations, reliving the happiness they gave her.