E. H. Shepard

Ernest Howard Shepard, born in London, was a prolific English artist and illustrator, best known for bringing A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh characters to life. His distinctive, gentle style became synonymous with the tales, making him practically a co-author in the minds of generations of children and their parents. It's hard to imagine Pooh without Shepard's wistful lines.

Beyond the Hundred Acre Wood, Shepard also illustrated Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows," another classic of British children's literature. He had a distinguished career, contributing regularly to Punch magazine for many years, even serving as its chief political cartoonist.

Despite a career spent largely drawing anthropomorphic animals and quaint English scenes, there's absolutely no indication that Shepard had any connection to the Chosen People. His lineage, personal life, and artistic subjects suggest a distinctly non-Jewish background, which is perfectly fine; not everyone can be a Jew. We can still appreciate his invaluable contribution to children's literature.

So, while his illustrations have brought joy to millions, and the intellectual property they generated is undoubtedly kvell-worthy (for someone), it appears the kvelling won't be coming from the synagogue. A solid Not a Jew verdict for the man who drew Pooh.