Saturday, April 28, 2012

Fantastic Drawings

Barbara McClintock is fantastic.  That is an appopriate word for her work.  The Fantastic Drawings of Danielle is certainly one of my favorites, but Ms. McClintock's superb draftsmanship and emotional appeal make it difficult to choose a favorite among her published works.
Coming in a close second on my must-have list is the lovely series about a brother and sister with a penchant for travel, maps, and for losing things.  If you haven't discovered siblings Adele and Simon, then it's time to head to your local library or bookstore.

Adele & Simon
2006

Adele & Simon in America
2008


Upcoming Adele & Simon in China
book dummy courtesy Barbara McClintock


Friday, April 27, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Mailing May

Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnel and Ted Rand
Mailing May is based on the true story of a little girl growing up in 1914.  She wants to visit her grandmother, but times are tough and money is tight.  What can her father possibly do to get May to her grandmother's house?


They'll send her by post, of course!

Ted Rand's detailed watercolor illustrations perfectly set the scene as May travels seventy-five miles in the mail car of a train.  My copy has great historical details and photos in the back. Ted Rand's illustration style varies, but always shows masterful technique. Check out some of his other books: Here Are My Hands, My Shadow, If Not For The Cat, and the classic, Knots on a Counting Rope.

Michael O'Grady Tunnell is both author and teacher.  His love of children's literature spans all genres.  I enjoy his books, like Wishing Moon, but his work really shines when he writes non-fiction.  I love The Candy Bomber.  If you don't know the story of Col. Gail Halvorsen, this is a recommended read.


The real May,
age five.
My Shadow, by Robert Louis Stevenson,
Illustrated by Ted Rand

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Bookish Dolls

I love bookish things.  Below are three dolls by artist Wendy Lawton.  These characters are heroines in some of my favorite picture books.

        

Can you recognize the girls?  Click here to find the answers and learn more.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Impossible Things

Yesterday's quote by Lewis Carroll can be found in the first chapter of Alice in Wonderland. I considered a post regarding that peerless work, but that would be nonsense.  In the future I will undoubtedly highlight a few outstanding versions of Alice's adventures by illustrators who have done her justice.  Instead, however, I thought I would call to your attention a few impossible things . . . seven to be exact.

At the risk of dispersing my readership to a far more interesting book blog, I present
Art by John Tenniel, compiled by Julie Danielson
Seven Impossible Things changed its focus to picture books and their art in 2009.  It offers some of the best illustrators' interviews on the web.  Jules's passion for picture book illustration is difficult to surpass.  Her taste in art parallels my own.  Her blog format keeps the content interesting.  She has gotten some fabulous illustrators to contribute additional masthead's.  The blog uses a Wonderland theme.

So there are seven wonderful things about her blog.  Seem impossible?  Check it out for yourself, but don't forget to come back here once in a while when you're feeling a bit bookish.  Thanks!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Sunday, April 22, 2012

World Book Night Comes to America


Tomorrow is World Book Night.  Join book lovers in the U.K., Ireland, and the U.S.!  Sponsored by the leading library and book associations in the world and supported by many major publishing houses, the second annual World Book Night is designed to spread a love of the printed page and to promote libraries and booksellers around the globe by giving away one million books.  The volunteers get books into the hands of people who wouldn't normally read - - 'simple as that.  Although the event was originally intended for adults, this year the giveaway includes YA.  Hooray!  Even if you're not involved this year, why not pick up a copy one of these outstanding novels?  Happy reading!
The Book Thief,
by Markus Zusak





Because of Winn-Dixie,
by Kate DiCamillo

The Absolutely True Diary
of a Part-Time Indian
,
by Sherman Alexie
The Hunger Games,
by Suzanne Collins