Conversations with Victoria Chess, Pat Cummings, Leo & Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg,
& David Wiesner
Compiled & Edited by Pat Cummings
New York: Bradbury Press, 1991
ISBN 0-02-724245-5
Ages 9-12
Each profile shows a childhood photograph and a current photo of each illustrator. They also show art work done by each artist as a child and some of their published art work seen in picture books. Most of the work done as children are what we all could've done as children, which is encouraging to aspiring young artists. The difference is that these now established artists continued to draw and paint and hone their craft to create the wonderful illustrations we enjoy in their books today.
A common thread throughout all of them is that they loved to draw from the time they were very young. Many of them seemed to know they would be artists. Chris Van Allsburg was an exception-- he didn't decide that art was his calling until he got to college.
I liked that this book was included in the genre of picture books in this assignment because it covers fourteen illustrators of picture books rather than one. Some of the names I was familiar with, and others are new names to me that I hope to learn more about and check out the books they have illustrated.
Publisher's Weekly's review commented that the book may be more for grown-ups than children, and it's true that it is inspiring for me to read. But it's also a nice way to connect with children and inspire young artists to pursue their dreams. It says it's for ages 9 and up, so I fall into the "up" category, and I loved the book.
...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. Available from Amazon.com