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.
Showing posts with label Picture Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Picture Books. Show all posts
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster
Bibliography
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN: 0-7868-0914-0
Summary
At Nanna and Poppy's house, a little girl gets to see all the things, real and imaginary, say hello and goodbye through the big kitchen window.
Critical Analysis
The 2006 Caldecott Medal Winner, The Hello, Goodbye Window is a sensational story in both pictures and words. This story is a good example of a picture storybook, where the illustrations and text are in perfect harmony.
Author, Norton Juster, uses a variety of techniques to enhance his story. Juster uses language style and language to his advantage. For example, the varied sentence structure makes for a story that sounds like the girl is talking. Another example is in the imagery Juster uses to describe the cat in the garden, which the girl believes is a tiger. Juster also sets the scene at Nanna and Poppy's house by vividly describing the house, and more importantly, the kitchen and kitchen window where all the action takes place.
Another important aspect to Juster's writing style is noticed in the point of view and mood in the story. The main character is a little girl. She is telling the story from her own perspective, using accurate language for a child. Juster also establishes an upbeat, exciting mood through the use of this words.
The illustrations by Chris Raschka are an extraordinary complement to Juster's words. Appealing to a child, his illustrations are done in a painterly technique, suggestive of a child's fingerpainting, along with line drawings to accent shapes, features, and details. Using bright colors and exaggerated proportions like in the facial features and child-like drawings with full shapes, Raschka's techniques are a blend of expressionism and folk art, which makes for unique illustrations.
Juster's talents as an author and Rashka's talents as an illustrator are matched perfectly in this story. The union of the two talents makes a wonderful story for children. The Hello, Goodbye Window appeals to children, being told from a little girl's perspective and most importantly the colorful, inviting illustrations.
Illustrations.
Review Excerpts
Angela J. Reynolds with School Library Journal states, "While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings. Using a bright rainbow palette of saturated color, Raschka's impressionistic, mixed-media illustrations portray a loving, mixed-race family. The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike (2005).
Kirkus Review announces, "Juster adopts the voice of the child, whose present-tense narration is just right, describing pleasures (saying good night to the stars) and perils (the tiger at the back of the garden) with a steady, sweet candor. Raschka's mixed-media illustrations are characteristically loose and energetic, depicting this happy, biracial family with jewel tones and extravagant swirls (2005).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
This story would be a good story for Grandparent's Day at an elementary school. Other stories about grandparents:
My Most Favorite Thing by Nicola Moon
I'm Going to Grandma's by Mary Ann Hoberman
Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi
The Just-Right Perfect Present by Fran Kennedy
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN: 0-7868-0914-0
Summary
At Nanna and Poppy's house, a little girl gets to see all the things, real and imaginary, say hello and goodbye through the big kitchen window.
Critical Analysis
The 2006 Caldecott Medal Winner, The Hello, Goodbye Window is a sensational story in both pictures and words. This story is a good example of a picture storybook, where the illustrations and text are in perfect harmony.
Author, Norton Juster, uses a variety of techniques to enhance his story. Juster uses language style and language to his advantage. For example, the varied sentence structure makes for a story that sounds like the girl is talking. Another example is in the imagery Juster uses to describe the cat in the garden, which the girl believes is a tiger. Juster also sets the scene at Nanna and Poppy's house by vividly describing the house, and more importantly, the kitchen and kitchen window where all the action takes place.
Another important aspect to Juster's writing style is noticed in the point of view and mood in the story. The main character is a little girl. She is telling the story from her own perspective, using accurate language for a child. Juster also establishes an upbeat, exciting mood through the use of this words.
The illustrations by Chris Raschka are an extraordinary complement to Juster's words. Appealing to a child, his illustrations are done in a painterly technique, suggestive of a child's fingerpainting, along with line drawings to accent shapes, features, and details. Using bright colors and exaggerated proportions like in the facial features and child-like drawings with full shapes, Raschka's techniques are a blend of expressionism and folk art, which makes for unique illustrations.
Juster's talents as an author and Rashka's talents as an illustrator are matched perfectly in this story. The union of the two talents makes a wonderful story for children. The Hello, Goodbye Window appeals to children, being told from a little girl's perspective and most importantly the colorful, inviting illustrations.
Illustrations.
Review Excerpts
Angela J. Reynolds with School Library Journal states, "While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings. Using a bright rainbow palette of saturated color, Raschka's impressionistic, mixed-media illustrations portray a loving, mixed-race family. The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike (2005).
Kirkus Review announces, "Juster adopts the voice of the child, whose present-tense narration is just right, describing pleasures (saying good night to the stars) and perils (the tiger at the back of the garden) with a steady, sweet candor. Raschka's mixed-media illustrations are characteristically loose and energetic, depicting this happy, biracial family with jewel tones and extravagant swirls (2005).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
This story would be a good story for Grandparent's Day at an elementary school. Other stories about grandparents:
My Most Favorite Thing by Nicola Moon
I'm Going to Grandma's by Mary Ann Hoberman
Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi
The Just-Right Perfect Present by Fran Kennedy
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2003. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books.
ISBN: 0-7868-1988-x
Summary
When the bus driver needs to take a break, he warns the readers "don't let the pigeon drive the bus." A determined pigeon begs and pleads in every way imaginable to be allowed to drive the bus.
Critical Analysis
In the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, author and illustrator, Mo Willems does a superb job at making an entertaining picture book, perfect for even the youngest of readers. The text is written in short, simple sentences inside cartoon-like balloons, where the pigeon is having a dialogue with the reader. Willems' writing style is perfect to develop the pigeon as an annoying, conniving, and determined character. Children can relate to many of the things pigeon says, like "I never get to do anything" and "I'll be your best friend."
Willems' illustrations are done in simple, line drawings reminiscent of naive art. The simplicity of pigeon with minimal background detail makes the illustrations child-like. Willems also uses color to his advantage. For example, at the end of the story, it becomes obvious through the illustrations and the text, pigeon is throwing a fit as he is yelling, "Let me drive the bus!!!" Willems portrays pigeon in six locations on the two-page spread in a frenzied state by the use of lines to show movement and expression. Also, Willems changes the background color from muted browns, pinks, and purples to a red on these two pages. The red background color shows pigeon is completely agitated at this point.
This story is a huge hit with readers of all ages. It is also versatile. For example, when presented to a group of children, this story can be a participation picture book, where the children respond to the pigeon's begging and pleading with a resounding "NO." Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a hilarious story for all readers.
Review Excerpts
Dona Ratterree with School Library Journal reports, "Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it" (2003).
Horn Book states, "Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title. As soon as the bus driver walks away, leaving his bus unattended, the brazen pigeon gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon. This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it (2003).
Review accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
"I love this book. It is my favorite." ~Eduardo (kindergartner)
"Read it again. That was funny!" ~Samantha (Pre-kindergartner)
"Can I check out this book? I want to read it to my brother." ~Maribel (first grader)
Other stories by Mo Willems:
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
I'm Invited to a Party
Leonardo the Terrible Monster
My Friend is Sad
The Pigeon Find a Hotdog
Willems, Mo. 2003. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books.
ISBN: 0-7868-1988-x
Summary
When the bus driver needs to take a break, he warns the readers "don't let the pigeon drive the bus." A determined pigeon begs and pleads in every way imaginable to be allowed to drive the bus.
Critical Analysis
In the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, author and illustrator, Mo Willems does a superb job at making an entertaining picture book, perfect for even the youngest of readers. The text is written in short, simple sentences inside cartoon-like balloons, where the pigeon is having a dialogue with the reader. Willems' writing style is perfect to develop the pigeon as an annoying, conniving, and determined character. Children can relate to many of the things pigeon says, like "I never get to do anything" and "I'll be your best friend."
Willems' illustrations are done in simple, line drawings reminiscent of naive art. The simplicity of pigeon with minimal background detail makes the illustrations child-like. Willems also uses color to his advantage. For example, at the end of the story, it becomes obvious through the illustrations and the text, pigeon is throwing a fit as he is yelling, "Let me drive the bus!!!" Willems portrays pigeon in six locations on the two-page spread in a frenzied state by the use of lines to show movement and expression. Also, Willems changes the background color from muted browns, pinks, and purples to a red on these two pages. The red background color shows pigeon is completely agitated at this point.
This story is a huge hit with readers of all ages. It is also versatile. For example, when presented to a group of children, this story can be a participation picture book, where the children respond to the pigeon's begging and pleading with a resounding "NO." Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a hilarious story for all readers.
Review Excerpts
Dona Ratterree with School Library Journal reports, "Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it" (2003).
Horn Book states, "Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title. As soon as the bus driver walks away, leaving his bus unattended, the brazen pigeon gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon. This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it (2003).
Review accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
"I love this book. It is my favorite." ~Eduardo (kindergartner)
"Read it again. That was funny!" ~Samantha (Pre-kindergartner)
"Can I check out this book? I want to read it to my brother." ~Maribel (first grader)
Other stories by Mo Willems:
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
I'm Invited to a Party
Leonardo the Terrible Monster
My Friend is Sad
The Pigeon Find a Hotdog
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