As a picture book maker, I am always on the lookout for new books on Picture Books. Leonard Marcus's newest book:
SHOW ME A STORY, WHY PICTURE BOOKS MATTER is a wonderful compilation of interviews he has done over the years with 21 acclaimed illustrators. In his describing his interviews, Marcus writes: "
I am on a kind of mad quest for the vital thread that links an artist's life story to the stories and images for which he or she is known. How does a young person grow up to become an artist? What childhood experiences prepared these particular 21 men and women-- or left them unprepared-- for what was to come in their creative lives? What was it that inspired them, and where did they find the courage required, and who gave them the help and guidance that sent them on their way? And why of all art forms did they choose the picture book to be their life's work and passion?" Marcus later describes the interviews as "
a honeycomb of memorable tales about growing up and coming into one's own..." -- I love the image this creates! Anyhow, if you enjoy reading about the lives of fellow creators of picture books, I recommend this book!
I just recently picked this book up so I have not finished it quite yet, but I am learning quite a bit about illustrators from outside the United States. The authors are both British so there are several British picture book makers featured including Edward Ardisson, John Burningham, and Quentin Blake, but also many others from the European continent. It begins with a brief history of the Picture Book and continues with essays on contemporary printing today, publishing today from a publisher's perspective as well as a chapter on independent publishers which I have not read yet, but look forward to! Mostly what I love about this book is that it is filled with full-color illustrations to go with all of their talking points-- it is a beautiful picture book of the picture book!
6 comments:
These look wonderful, Lauren. I love those kind of books too. Artists outside the US often have such distinct sensibilities. I can never put my finger on what it is that I like so much--often very playful, great design sensibility, but I could say that about US artists, too, so not sure just what is so different. Is Binette Schroeder in that second book? Her work is terrific.
Nope, I don't see Binette Schroeder represented. I will look her up! I often find that there is less sentimentality in books published outside the US making them more daring and alive in some ways? Not all of course, but this is what comes to mind when I think of the differences.
Lauren,
I'm so happy to know about these books you've recommended. I'm about to start teaching an online writing course through McDaniel College this summer (June 6-July 30), and I'll need to assign some reading. These sound like good possibilities.
Two great titles to help me in my picture book studies -- thanks Lauren!!
Edie, these both would be excellent for your reading assignments-- I think first-hand author/illustrator interviews are so inspiring. And Mark, glad I can help with your picture book studies!
I love hearing authors' and illustrators' background stories, so SHOW ME A STORY sounds especially interesting, Lauren. I will make a point of tracking that one down. I'm very ignorant when it comes to publishing outside the US, so your other recommendation would be a good one for me as well, to increase my children's literature literacy.
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