The overall theme of this year’s books & illustrations
seems to be “Let’s get serious.” Unintentionally, so many of our books are
biographical & historical, portraying scientists to sports figures and slavery
to the design of the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, we have books and
illustrations that will just make you smile, too!
Before I give you my picks, I just want to say our
illustrators are the nicest, most creative, most giving people on the planet!
And, we are so excited to be partnering with The Wooden Floor as our
beneficiary. And, thanks to all our volunteers, both personal friends and
Chapman University associates!
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| Helen's Big World, illustrated by Matt Tavares |
Let’s talk Matt Tavares… We have no illustrations from his
newest book, Helen’s Big World: The Life
of Helen Keller, but I love the way the book is written and laid out. It
has decorative endpapers (Barbara Sproat that is for you!), teaches letters of
the alphabet in sign language and has inspirational quotes by Helen. It is a must
read.
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| Liberty's Hands, mixed media by Matt Tavares |
The illustrations for Lady
Liberty, the story of the idea and construction, are nothing short of
extraordinary. The book isn’t half bad either. My favorite piece from this book
shows the construction of Lady Liberty’s
hand. Starting with the wood structure
and spiraling up the arm. The detail and architecture is exquisite.
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| Cat and Chick, Prismacolor and watercolor by Chris Sheban |
Something about Chris Sheban… makes you wonder how he gets
such depth, emotion and life in his watercolor and colored pencil illustrations. The Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught
Her to Fly is a wonderful chapter books with thoughtful black & white
illustrations. This image shown here is the cover of the paperback book &
is shown in black & white in the hardback. Sorry, it’s sold already… but
you must come see how the eyes look real and the fabulous frame we put on it.
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| Watching Western, Prismacolor and watercolor by Chris Sheban |
I can’t stop thinking about this illustration from Night on the Range. The book is adorable
but this stand- alone image is something to behold. It is little boy through
and through. The magic of the young cowboy’s fascination with the T.V. and the
glow around his body makes you want to giddyup and go. Pardner, you gotta come
see this framing, too!
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| Sylvia Long's Mother Goose |
Lovingly Sylvia Long… Remember all those wonderful Mother Goose poems your mom read to you
and then you read to your kids and grandkids? They are all beautifully compiled
in Sylvia’s treasury. Vivid in color and filled with fantasy, they are full of
life.
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| A Butterfly is a Traveler, watercolor by Sylvia Long |
If you would rather learn something or teach a lesson, A Butterfly is Patient will fill that
bill. This book explains the life cycle of the butterfly in breath-taking
fashion. Great for little kids because of the beautiful pictures and good for a
little older with its scientific interpretation. This picture of the field of
butterflies is harmony in motion.
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| Across the Alley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis |
Emotions flow with E. B. Lewis… Almost every book we have of
E.B.’s is chock full of life’s lessons and sensitivity. The book that speaks to
me is Across the Alley. It’s a book
about a Jewish boy & African American boy who live across the alley from
one another. They learn from each other and more importantly their families
learn from them. It makes me teary just to type these words.
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| Laying on Beach, watercolor by E.B. Lewis |
On the lighter side is The
Secret World of Walter Anderson. It’s true story about the artist and his
very private life. These watercolor illustrations and the one shown here, in
particular, remind me so much of Andrew Wyeth in both the coloring and style. I
just want to relax right next to Walter and gaze into the evermore.
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| At Blackboard, pen and ink by Boris Kulikov |
Boldly Boris Kulikov… First of all, I’ve always wanted Albert Einstein, to be my grandfather.
So, how could I not choose both the book, Giants
of Science: Albert Einstein, and this quintessential illustration of Albert
at the blackboard? It calls to me with it's sweet scientific notation.
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| Pushing Baby Bugy, mixed media by Boris Kulikov |
I love Boris’ bright array of colors and the way he combines
them in his fanciful illustrations. This
illustration from Castle on Hester Street
is a patchwork of color, personality and history. The way Boris combines the
old world with the new delights the senses in this whimsical illustration.
Only one and a half weeks to select your favorite book or
illustration!
We hope to see you on Dec 1st 1-5pm, if not before.
Don’t forget, authors Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, will
be signing along-side Boris Kulikov. And, we are so fortunate that Kathleen
will be doing a dramatic reading of
Fartiste, the hysterical true story of a Frenchman!
Woo-hoo! We’re almost there!
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