A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Knopf Books for Young Readers
(pub. 9.17.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Marc Majewski
Character: Edward Gorey
Overview:
"Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.
Even as a young boy, Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame. This picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations."
Tantalizing taste:
"But in the many books Edward left behind…
Mr. Earbrass still broods and frets,
the alligator rides the bicycle on his back,
and from deep inside the Wuggly Ump,
the children sing glogalimp, glugalump,
just as Edward imagined."
And something more: The author, Matthew Burgess, shared in the Author's Note: "From early childhood to the very end, [Edward Gorey] was intensely creative, and in both art and life, he was completely himself. This is one of the reasons I want to share his story with young readers. I remember, as a child, how important it was to encounter grown-ups who followed their own path. We all need people to remind us that we can be truly ourselves, and that we are free to create and even inhabit the worlds we imagine."
Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Holiday House
(pub. 11.7.2023)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Anne Broyles
Illustrator: Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Character: Ralph Fasanella
Overview:
" When dared to jump, Ralph always took the dare. So begins this beautiful tribute to a singular artist and his tireless efforts to honor and celebrate immigrant and working-class communities through his paintings.
Born in 1914 New York City to Italian immigrants, Ralph’s youth was one of dress factories, ice deliveries, union meetings, and Momma’s stories of the Bread & Roses Strike around the dinner table. By teaching himself how to paint, Ralph discovered a new way to reach working people: he would depict their lives, their work, and American history with electric color at a grand scale.
Focusing on themes of social justice, immigrant rights, labor rights, and the dignity of working people, I’m Gonna Paint inspires to give a new generation the confidence to continue the fight for better working conditions."
Tantalizing taste:
"As a kid, Ralph taught himself to read.
As an adult, he taught himself to paint.
He visited museums to study works by famous artists.
He filled giant canvases with precise details in bold colors that rippled out, like when a pebble is thrown into a pond. Memories of his old neighborhoods, his father's ice wagon, the Protectory, and the dress shop where Mama used to work were transformed into paintings.
Ralph also referenced current events: Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, President Kennedy's assassination ,and many more.
He painted ordinary people, city streets, everyday working life."
And something more: The More About Ralph section includes his quotes:
"Any good painting is a social statement. I just feel that art and politics can't be separated ."
"I have been a working man and a union man all my life. My paintings celebrate that. They're about working people: what they do, where they go, and what their hopes and dreams are."
"You want to be smart, go to the library."
"I never did a painting for myself. I was always trying to uplift other people, to show them who they are and where they came from… My job is not only to record American history, but to record the feelings of American workers as honestly as possible."
How James Earl Jones Found His Voice
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Knopf Books for Young Readers
(pub. 7.30.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Kari Lavelle
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Character: James Earl Jones
Overview:
" Before legendary actor James Earl Jones was recognized for his memorable, smooth voice, he was just James--a stutterer who stopped speaking for eight years as a child...and ultimately found his voice through poetry...
Whenever James tried to voice his thoughts, his words got stuck in his throat. But James figured out a solution for his shame: if he didn't speak, he wouldn't stutter.
And so he was silent...until he wrote his own poem, Ode to Grapefruit, and found a love for poetry."
Tantalizing taste:
"He traveled to the front of the classroom,
the dark side of fear rising.
Heart pounding.
Eighteen sets of eyes
and Professor Crouch watching.
Some kids smirked and some smiled.
Knees shaking.
But he felt the rhythm in his soul.
Tata tata tata tata…
James opened his mouth and began,
his voice deep and smooth,
reciting from his heart,
'Ode to Grapefruit...'"
And something more: The author, Kari Lavelle, shared in the Author's Note: "As a speech pathologist for over fifteen years, I continue to share the inspirational story of James Earl Jones with many kids who stutter. In researching and then writing his story, it is my hope his voice gives a voice to many."
