Talking with Artists compiled and edited by Pat Cummings

Bibliography
Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking with Artists: Conversations with Victoria Chess, Pat Cummings, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pickney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. New York: Bradbury Press.

ISBN: 0-02724245-5

Summary
Talking with Artists is a collection of answers to interview questions with short, biographical information about fourteen different artists, along with inspirational thoughts for becoming an illustrator. Examples of each artists' works are included.

Critical Analysis
Talking with Artists is an informational book, giving inspirational words, pointers, and suggestions for becoming a book illustrator. Fourteen different illustrators provide insight into the beginning of their career and into their current life. The style of writing, as an interview format, is appropriate as a compilation of authors' perspectives. The biographical essays range from serious to humorous.

To be a book about illustrating books, the illustrations seem to be lacking. There are only one to three pictures per each illustrator in their designated sections. Even though the number of illustrations is small, the examples of illustrations do show a variety of artistic styles.

This book is not overly exciting, but could still be a good springboard for class discussion about illustrating books. The concept is a fascinating one, but the use of visual elements is disappointing.

Review Excerpts
Shirly Wilton with School Library Journal reviews, "Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived, this book will be welcomed in all those classrooms in which children's literature has become central to the curriculum" (1992).

Publisher Weekly Review states, "Each subject is represented by one or two samples of his or her current work and one childhood piece, usually a real charmer. Unfortunately, the often poignant reminiscences and outstanding talent on display cannot overcome the book's unimaginative layout and distractingly pragmatic text. Some interview topics--how to get that first book contract, for example--seem less suited to children than to parents, who might be reassured to learn that making art can be financially as well as personally rewarding" (1992).

Reviews accessed from Fort Worth Public Library.

Connections
This book would be a good tool to use in art class, as an introduction to illustrating books.

An accompanying book could be: Talking with Artists, Volume Two compiled and edited by Pat Cummings.