Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Ezra Jack Keats was born "Jacob Ezra Katz." He changed his name due to post-World War II anti-Semitism in order to increase his odds of finding a job. (Source)
The main character in The Snowy Day, Peter, was inspired by a series of photos Keats had been holding onto for twenty years. (Source)
Thanks to Keats's popular book Skates, a roller rink in Kiyoshi, Japan was named after him. Keats was honored at its 1974 grand opening, which he attended. (Source)
One of Ezra Jack Keats's early jobs was illustrating the backgrounds for Captain Marvel comic strips. (Source)