Bibliography:
Carle, Eric. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 major illustrators talk to children about their art. New York : Philomel Books. ISBN: 0399246002.
Plot Summary:
Artist to Artist is a collection of notes and graphics from twenty-three popular children’s book authors. Eric Carle opens the book with a brief overview the book’s intention and he mentions some of his own inspirations. The succeeding notes are mostly stories, anecdotes, tips and words of encouragement intended for young artists who are inspired to share their own work with the rest of the world. Illustrations and photographs that accompany each note depict the illustrators’ early years and well as the development of some of their most famous works. Nick Clark, director of the Eric Carle museum, concludes the book by highlighting the in-house studio at the museum.
Critical Analysis:
This anthology is a quick read and a delight for children and adults who have enjoyed the illustrators’ work. The photographs and illustrations in the book are contained in fold-out sections, which provide ample space to spotlight examples of the work. Most of the illustrations included are drawings, except in the case of pop-up artists Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart, whose section contains an actual pop-up robot designed by the two men.
The book gives readers an appreciation for and taste of a variety of children’s book illustrators. Some of the artists featured may not be as well known to the reader as others, but after viewing their respective works, they may become unforgettable. One very interesting aspect was the inclusion of photographs of each artists’ workspace. The photos lend a peek into the world of the artist, and show the world where the “magic” happens. This is a must-have for anyone who is studying or collecting information about the creation and business of children’s book illustration.
Review Excerpt:
Starred review in School Library Journal: “A selective work, by nature, results in omissions, and there are some surprising absences. Yet, the end result is a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures, with a behind-the-scenes tour led by the generous and gifted creators themselves.” – Wendy Lukehart
Connections:
- Choose two books from one of the illustrator’s body of work, their first and their most recent one, for example, and compare the evolution of the illustrator’s art.
- Have children write back to the illustrators with questions or comments. This could either just be an exercise or actually send the letters to the publisher or the individual illustrators.
- Read similar books about children’s book illustrators:
- Cummings, Pat. Talking with artists (series). ISBN: 0027242455 (v. 1); 0689803109 (v. 2); 0395891329 (v. 3)
- Marcus, Leonard. A Caldecott celebration :Six artists and their paths to the Caldecott medal. ISBN: 0802786561