Children's Books Reviews

I listen to recorded children's books while I paint. Not only do I accomplish two things at once, but it keeps me engaged in thinking both visually and textually. This week I listened to three lovely short novels for children ages 9 and up. The first two are Newberry Medel winners and the third is just sheer fun.
Missing May
Cynthia Rylant's voice of Summer, the 11 year-old West Virginian protagonist, is so authentic. She is an adopted girl morning the loss of her adoptive mother. This is a "quest" story where most of the "journey" is an internal transformation of both herself and her adoptive father. The characters are fragile, funny and resilient. The recorded version is read by Frances McDormand, who absolutely brings the story to life! Also, a number of people have created some very thoughful "lesson plans" for this book.
Bridge to Tarabithia A lovely book about friendship and imagination between a young boy and girl in rural Virginia in the 70s. The story brought me to tears. Paterson really touches on the emotional life of the child.
Varjak Paw This book is just sheer fun! It is a kind of "Kung Fu - Karate Kid" for cats. Narrator George Guidall's interpretation is marvelous. I can't wait until the next recorded version comes out!! I do want to check out the written version however, since it is also illustrated in the style of a graphic novel ;)

David Wiesner's Creative Process

David Wiesner, author/illustrator of Tuesday, the innovative Picture Book, shares his creative process here. Very cool, step by step demonstration of how he goes from inspiration to dummy book to full spread and publicaiton. Definitely worth a look