Edwin Burdette Tunis (1897–1973) was an American painter, mural artist, book illustrator, radio announcer, actor, theater set designer and author. As a children's writer Tunis was one runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1962. He also won the Thomas A. Edison Foundation Children's Book Award for special excellence in portraying America's past. He wrote and illustrated several books, including: Oars, Sails, and Steam: A Picture Book of Ships; Weapons; Wheels; Colonial Living; and Indians. Early life Tunis was born in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, on December 8, 1897. He grew up moving a lot because his father's job was installing steam engines at factories all over the country. As an adult he lived most of his life in Maryland. References External links Guide to the Edwin Tunis Papers 1951–1973 in the University of Oregon Libraries at NWDA.org (multi-University online library) 1897 births 1973 deaths 20th-century American painters American male painters American muralists American illustrators American set designers American children's writers Children's non-fiction writers Newbery Honor winners People from Cold Spring Harbor, New York Painters from New York (state) Painters from Maryland 20th-century American male artists