Celebrating Richard Scarry: A World Full of Busy, Curious Animals

On June 5, 1919, the world welcomed Richard Scarry, the imaginative mind behind Busytown — a place where cats drove banana cars, pigs directed traffic, and worms wore tiny hats.

Over his lifetime, Scarry created more than 300 books that sold upwards of 100 million copies, enchanting children across generations. His joyful, bustling illustrations didn’t just entertain — they taught. From “What Do People Do All Day?” to “Cars and Trucks and Things That Go,” his books introduced kids to the working world, everyday kindness, and the importance of curiosity.

Scarry had a gift for turning ordinary life into a vibrant adventure, where every corner of the page had something new to discover. Through his friendly characters and thoughtful details, he made learning feel like play.

Today, his legacy lives on — in library storytimes, worn-out bedtime favorites, and the wide eyes of children spotting Goldbug on every page.

Thank you, Richard Scarry, for making the world a little more whimsical — and a lot more fun.