Shonto Begay

Tammie's Native American Children's Literature Page

Shonto Begay

Illustrator Focus

Shonto Begay was born near Shonto, Arizona. He is the fifth of sixteen children born to a Navajo medicine man and a Navajo weaver. He studied fine arts in New Mexico and California. He is an acclaimed author, illustrator and painter. Mr. Begay has written and illustrated two books, Navajo: Voices and Visions Across the Mesa and Ma' II and Cousin Horned Toad, and illustrated several others, including Lois Duncan's The Magic of the Spider Woman. Through his paintings he shares an insightful glance to reservation life reflecting the good and bad through his work.

“I am very mindful that painting has saved my life many times over,” says Shonto. “It is how I’ve been able to dilute and even heal my own personal tragedies.”

The Magic of Spiderwoman, 1996

Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa, 1995

Scholastic: Multicultural Books, 1994-1995

Mali and Cousin Horned Toad, 1991

The Mud Pony, Owl award for Illustration in Japan, 1988

Visual Chant: The Paintings of Shonto Begay, San Juan College Art Gallery