Thomas Rockwell, Author of "How to Eat Fried Worms," Dies at 91

Thomas Rockwell, son of renowned illustrator Norman Rockwell and author of the beloved children's novel "How to Eat Fried Worms," passed away on September 27, 2024, at a hospice center in Danbury, Connecticut. He was 91 years old and had been battling Parkinson's disease.

Born on March 13, 1933, in New Rochelle, New York, Thomas Rockwell grew up in the shadow of his father's fame. Norman Rockwell's nostalgic depictions of American life, featured on 323 covers of The Saturday Evening Post over 47 years, made him one of the most popular artists of his time. The younger Rockwell often served as a model for his father's illustrations, appearing in works such as "The Muscleman" (1937) and "Christmas Homecoming" (1948).

Despite the weight of his father's legacy, Thomas Rockwell forged his own path as a writer. His breakthrough came with the publication of "How to Eat Fried Worms" in 1973. The book, which tells the story of a boy who accepts a bet to eat 15 worms in 15 days, was initially rejected by 23 publishers before finding success. It has since sold over 3 million copies worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages.

The success of "How to Eat Fried Worms" established Thomas Rockwell as a notable children's author in his own right. The book's popularity led to an animated TV adaptation in 1985 and a live-action film in 2006. Rockwell went on to write two sequels, "How to Fight a Girl" (1987) and "How to Get Fabulously Rich" (1990).

In addition to his writing career, Thomas Rockwell played a crucial role in managing his father's artistic legacy. He oversaw the Norman Rockwell Family Agency, which was responsible for licensing Norman Rockwell's art and protecting his image. The Norman Rockwell Estate Licensing Company, established in 1997, continues to manage the artist's image and artworks.

Thomas Rockwell's dedication to preserving his father's legacy extended to defending Norman Rockwell's reputation. In 2013, he and his daughter Abigail challenged the portrayal of Norman Rockwell in "American Mirror," a biography by Deborah Solomon. They disputed claims and insinuations made in the book about Norman Rockwell's sexuality and artistic motivations.

Throughout his life, Thomas Rockwell balanced the "tremendous blessing" and "heavy burden" of being Norman Rockwell's son. He once remarked, "Everywhere you go, people introduce you as Norman Rockwell's son. And you want to be Tom Rockwell." Despite this challenge, he successfully carved out his own identity in the literary world.

Thomas Rockwell's early life was shaped by the small-town America that his father often depicted. The family moved to Arlington, Vermont, in the late 1930s, where Norman Rockwell found inspiration for many of his paintings. The town and its inhabitants would later be immortalized in works such as "Shuffleton's Barbershop" (1950).

In addition to his famous "Worms" series, Thomas Rockwell authored several other children's books, including "Rackety-Bang and Other Verses" (1969) and "The Portmanteau Book" (1974). He also played a significant role in the publication of his father's autobiography, "My Adventures as an Illustrator," in 1960.

Even in his later years, Thomas Rockwell continued to write, focusing mainly on poetry. His enduring passion for the written word mirrored his father's dedication to art. Just as Norman Rockwell would sit at his easel even when he could no longer paint, Thomas Rockwell continued to compose in his mind when he could no longer type.

Thomas Rockwell's life and work serve as a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring impact of children's literature. His ability to emerge from the shadow of his famous father and create a beloved classic of his own is a remarkable achievement in American literary history.

"I was driving home, and I guess I was feeling as if I'd been eating worms, and suddenly it popped into my head: 'Why don't I write a book about a boy who eats worms?'"

Thomas Rockwell is survived by his son Barnaby, daughter Abigail, brother Jarvis, and a granddaughter. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2010 after 55 years of marriage. As we remember Thomas Rockwell, we celebrate not only his contributions to children's literature but also his role in preserving and protecting the artistic legacy of Norman Rockwell, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the work of both father and son.