PICTURE BOOKS BLOG #3: Talking with Artists

PICTURE BOOKS BLOG #3: Talking with Artists

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cummings, Pat. ed. 1992. Talking with Artists. (1st ed). New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455

B. PLOT SUMMARY

The book Talking with Artists by Pat Cummings is a compilation of 14 interviews with famous illustrators of children’s books. Each illustrator tells a short story of their life and childhood and explains how they came to love drawing. Each artists answers questions including what type of media they use, where they get their ideas from and how they got their first book published. Artists include men and women artists from varied backgrounds and ethnicity who never gave up on their dreams.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Patricia Cummings creates an informational picture book that is interesting for children to read. The photographs of the artist as a child and adult entice the reader to learn more about the artist. Drawings and paintings created by the artists as a child are included as well as illustrations from their books now. The short autobiographies of the artists give the reader a glimpse into their life, and often include unique and funny anecdotes of their childhood. The book is inspirational and reminds children to follow their dreams, whatever they might be.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

From Publishers Weekly
In this wide-ranging survey, 14 talented illustrators talk about their childhoods, their work and their daily routines. The broad cross-section includes Caldecott medalists (Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner), women (Amy Schwartz, Victoria Chess, Lois Ehlert) and African Americans (Leo Dillon, Jerry Pinkney). Brief autobiographical statements precede interviews that touch on both personal and professional concerns--working conditions, pets, business associates. 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. Ages 9-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-8-- Conversations with Victoria Chess, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner form the content of this book. All say that ``practice, practice, practice'' is the key to success. The illustrators that Cummings interviewed and her own comments are primarily aimed at young people who love to draw. They tell about how they got started, and where they get their ideas and techniques. There are chatty bits of information about the artists themselves, examples of their childhood drawings, and beautifully reproduced samples of current work. The same questions are asked of each contributor, but the answers range from serious commentary to lighthearted humor. The cumulative result is a short course in how to succeed in the book business and general agreement that illustration is a tremendously satisfying and enjoyable occupation. 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. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

E. CONNECTIONS

After reading the book the class could take a trip to the library to check out books illustrated by one of the artists featured in the book. Students could discuss each artist’s style and practice drawing their own pictures for the book, finding their own style.
OR
After reading the book the teacher could lead the class in a discussion on what they want to be when they grow up. The students could then take a trip to the library to find informational books on specific careers they are interested in. Depending on age level students could create a “book” with illustrations on what they want to be when they grow up and include the information found on the specific career choice.