Post by Mandy on Dec 27, 2007 20:32:13 GMT -5
Letters, self-portraits, and bits of life and work from 23 children’s book illustrators are presented in a beautiful book by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Each illustrator has written a letter to budding artists. Some are straightforward and full of advice (“You have to practice, practice, practice – and don’t copy.”), while others are more abstract and maybe a bit wordy for the young reader. However, the beauty of the book is that it can be enjoyed by all ages and is a source of encouragement that young artists can return to again and again.
I love the childhood photographs and self-portraits of each illustrator and the way that the rest of the illustrations (sketches from the artists’ body of work, photos of their studios, etc.) are hidden. I was able to read the text without the temptation of looking at all the fun stuff. And when I was ready for it, I just flipped open the page and there it was!
I also appreciated that the biographies and bibliographies of each individual are in the back of the book. This is certainly important info, but I’m glad it wasn’t on each illustrator’s page. I think that would have distracted from the goal and feel of the book: a conversation about art.
Can a book like this win awards, though? Would the 23 illustrators be considered co-authors?
I love the childhood photographs and self-portraits of each illustrator and the way that the rest of the illustrations (sketches from the artists’ body of work, photos of their studios, etc.) are hidden. I was able to read the text without the temptation of looking at all the fun stuff. And when I was ready for it, I just flipped open the page and there it was!
I also appreciated that the biographies and bibliographies of each individual are in the back of the book. This is certainly important info, but I’m glad it wasn’t on each illustrator’s page. I think that would have distracted from the goal and feel of the book: a conversation about art.
Can a book like this win awards, though? Would the 23 illustrators be considered co-authors?