Sift, Reinvent, Reorganize

"My task as a visual storyteller is to observe, record, and edit. Some images go straight from life into a book. Most need to be carefully sifted, reinvented, reorganized."
-Jan Ormerod*



Bookplate by Helen Dardik
from her blog Orange You Lucky
 

*via HarperCollins interview

PPBF: Maudie and Bear

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Maudie and Bear,
by Jan Ormerod and Freya Blackwood

Maudie and Bear
Written by Jan Ormerod
Illustrated by Freya Blackwood
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2010,
American edition 2012
ages 3-8, under 800 words


Themes:
Friendship, Manners


Opening:
"I need some exercise," said Maudie.
"Fresh air would be nice," said Bear.
"How about a bike ride?" said Maudie


Synopsis:
Maudie and Bear are friends. In this picture book with five short stories, readers are introduced to imaginative, adorable Maudie. She is an everyman, playing in the yard, eating cookies, having tea parties. Bear is more like a beloved dad. It is the believable reactions of Maudie and the patient love of Bear that make this book a Frog and Toad for this generation. Stories include "Making Up", where Maudie's antics make Bear laugh. Maudie can't understand why anyone would be laughing at her, except to poke fun, and so a tiff ensues. In "Telling Stories" Bear makes excuses for listening to Maudie's made-up story with his eyes closed. Maudie tries everything little ones do to get Bear to stay awake but in the end, it is Bear who has to finish the tale. Also included are "The Bike Ride," "Home Sweet Home," and "The Snack."



What I Love:
Jan Ormerod perfectly captures the voice of little Maudie. She pouts without being spoiled. She exasperates without being annoying. The parent / child friendship is the perfect vehicle for these quiet stories which will seem familiar to any mom and idyllic to any child. Freya Blackwood's illustrations are . . . perfect. (Can't use that word too many times for this collection.) Her soft watercolors are both fresh and nostalgic. And the fabulous American edition was designed by Annie Ericsson, designeer extraordinaire. I dare you not to love this award-winning book.

Bonus:


Photos and variations courtesy Minieco

1. Early Words offers a teacher guide with activities, written by Dr. Robin Morrow.
2. I love the torn paper bear made by Crafty Morning. The no-scissors technique is easy for even the smallest readers.
3. Pair storytime with snacktime with bear toast from Kids Soup.
4. Have your students come up with additional adventures for Maudie and Bear. Use the existing stories to teach conflict and resolution.
5. Check out these and other related Perfect Picture Books from your local library.

 

Reviewed by Amy

Reviewed by Kirsten

 

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Stacy

 

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for January 29, 2016, available on Susanna Leonard Hill's excellent blog.

Selective Moments

"Telling a story with words and pictures is a little like watching a movie, then selecting the evocative moment like a still taken from a film. I need to capture the moment that has clarity and simplicity, invites empathy, and allows the reader to bring her own knowledge to that moment, to enrich it, and develop it according to her own life experiences."

-Jan Ormerod*

* Courtesy Harper Collins

Fresh Talent, Katie Kath

Welcome to the Saturday illustrator spotlight on Bookish Ambition.

Courtesy Katie Kath

Two weeks ago, I featured illustrator, Kelly McMorris, whom I found while schmoozing with the online kidlit community.

In my research, I discovered she had been chosen for the SIS. It seemed only fitting to feature the other recipient of the 2013 summer scholarship, Katie Kath right before the LA conference.

Katie Kath's Mia

Katie is no less deserving of our attention here. Her style is playful and, well, fresh. Her simplicity doesn't seem forced. That is no small feat.

Katie is multi-dimensional, but I think her children's art shines brightest. She interjects emotion and energy into her drawings with minimal line. Her palette is very limited.

Perusal of her blog reveals she struggles with developing style and direction, just like many of us, but what impresses (and inspires) me when I scan her portfolio is the timelessness of her art. When I look at her cavorting kids, I see Marylin Hafner or Quentin Blake. The simple realism is honest, like Aliki with a touch of Jan Ormerod and a dash of Erik Blegvad.

Sketchbook page courtesy Katie Kath

Y'know, this is one of the best parts of my week. I love, love, love finding new artists and exploring their work. I encounter scores of people each month. The hardest part is deciding who to feature next. I try to post a mix of ages, backgrounds, and countries of origin. I can be inspired by style, color palette, technique, creativity, or backstory. I love an underdog. There are just so many artists who inspire me! What about you? Who inspires you? What grabs your attention when you sift through a sea of images?

In Memory of Jan Ormerod

I just read the sad news about the passing of Jan Ormerod yesterday.  Jan was an artistic hero of mine from the moment I saw her book, The Frog Prince.  I can think of no greater tribute than to showcase a bit of her work here.  I hope if you are unfamiliar with Jan's illustrations, you will take the time to savor her books. That you can find her listings at Simon& Schuster, Puffin, HarperCollins, Walker Books, and Random House to name a few, is a testimony to her appeal and endurance.  Her rich legacy of art and stories is such a blessing to all of us who love books for children.

Where Did Josie Go?
by Helen E. Buckley and Jan Ormerod

The Frog Prince
Jan Ormerod and David Lloyd

 "I find the challenge of communicating with both child and adult-working on two levels in one book--a demanding, intriguing and rewarding task." - Jan Ormerod 

Jan Ormerod
1946-2013