Chuck Galey grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi, and always wanted to be an artist. “My parents sent me to private art lessons, but living in the Delta, I couldn’t see painters making a living,” he said. Therefore, he pursued a degree in physics and oceanography; but after working two summers on research vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, he returned to his first love: art. He finds illustrating children’s books to be rewarding because a “picture storybook brings an adult and a child together for a wonderfully shared experience.”
Whether providing suspense and humor in Steven L. Layne’s My Brother Dan’s Delicious or regional detail in David Davis’ whimsical tale of swinging Jazz Cats in New Orleans, Galey’s illustrations certainly enhance text. He created an endearing, magical dinosaur in SantaSaurus, written by Delano Holmquist, and a cotton candy machine that has a mind of its own in The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair, by Dotti Enderle. In his latest joint effort with David Davis, Rock ’n’ Roll Dogs, canines of all breeds dance the night away at the Fireplug doggie disco.
Critically acclaimed Jazz Cats was named to the Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice list in 2002 and is an Accelerated Reader Program selection. SantaSaurus received a favorable review in School Library Journal.
Galey graduated with honors in graphic design from Mississippi State University and worked with several advertising agencies and public-relations firms until 1985, when he opened his own illustration studio. In addition to his picture books, he has illustrated more than thirty educational books as well as book covers for the R. L. Stine Fear Street series and several Beverly Cleary titles. He lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with his wife and son.