Review: "Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White" by Melissa Sweet

“Charlotte’s Web”, the beloved tale of friendship between a sincere piglet and an articulate spider, has been charming readers since it was first published in 1952. Not unsurprisingly, the author E.B. White was also sincere, articulate, and beloved, charming the world with his words as a young man and until the end of his life. In her new biography “Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White”, writer and illustrator Melissa Sweet manages to relay the wonder that so captivated White all his life and made him such a wonderful author, particularly for children.

Born to a loving family in New York City in 1899, young Elwyn started writing early in life. After falling in love with nature while spending summers in Maine, “Andy,” as he was called, got a job as a writer on a new magazine called “The New Yorker.”  Andy married one of his co-workers, and the Whites decided to work for the magazine while living on a farm in Maine for several years. It was from this farm that, after watching a spider spin an egg sac and carefully transporting it back to New York, “He left it on his dresser, and a few weeks later he noticed hundreds of tiny spiders coming out of the air holes and stringing lines from the box to his mirror, his comb, his brush (82).” The spiders, along with Andy’s love of his farm, later birthed “Charlotte’s Web.”

Going beyond words, Sweet’s carefully crafted collages reflect White’s words, loves and life with subtle details and warm watercolors. Young readers in grades three on up will be interested particularly in Andy’s growing up years and his experiences on his farm. “Some Writer!” by Melissa Sweet is a fitting tribute to a wonderful life and should be read by all who love not just E.B. White, but great writing filled with wonder. To request a copy of this book or any of E.B. White's writing, click on the links.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Don Tate

Don Tate has perfected the art of picture book biography illustration. Through color, perspective, movement, historical details, and magnified character expression, Don Tate welcomes the reader into the lives of extraordinary individuals. 

“Ron’s Big Mission,” written by Rose Blue, is the story of astronaut Ron McNair and why Lake City Public Library bears his name. Ron loves reading books more than doughnuts, shooting baskets, or even dreaming about being a pilot! The illustrations bring us to a different time as we learn about Ron’s first courageous deed.

“She Loved Baseball : The Effa Manley Story” written by Audrey Vernick, inspires the reader to not accept the way things are as we learn about the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Don Tate’s illustrations welcome the reader into New York City during the times of the Harlem Renaissance, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson, as we share Effa Manley’s challenges and triumphs.

“Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite” written by Anna Harwell Celenza, captures the friendship of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington and the creation of their collaborative jazz piece, “Nutcracker Suite.” The cover illustration welcomes children into the world of jazz, musical instruments, fantasy, and friendship. Is Duke Ellington smiling at us? We can almost hear the music jumping off the pages.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Teddy, Eleanor and Franklin

 

 

If you enjoyed watching Ken Burn’s PBS series, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History”, which is now available on dvd, you may also enjoy sharing these picture book biographies:

 

“My Tour of Europe by Teddy Roosevelt, Age 10”  is a collection of excerpts from Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood diary. Catherine Brighton’s illustrations bring to life the year Teddy spent with his family in Europe from May 1869 - May 1870. The diary presents Teddy’s initial homesickness, his illnesses, fun with siblings, and the sense of adventure that would always remain part of his character. This book is a great way to introduce primary resources to children.

Barbara Cooney’s “Eleanor” is illustrated in the artist’s signature style. The first illustration includes Uncle Ted as Eleanor’s Godfather and uncle. The story follows Eleanor from shy child, who lost her parents at a young age, to confident young woman. We learn that one of Eleanor’s most cherished possessions was a collection of letters written to her by her father. She carried these letters with her throughout her life, from home, to Allenswood boarding school, and to the White House. 

“A Boy Named  FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew  Up To Change America”, written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Francher,

carefully describes how a boy born to wealth became president for the “ordinary people”. The book begins with Franklin’s youthful pastimes and interests and continues with the boarding school and college years. Later, we learn how Franklin’s relationships with his cousins, Theodore Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, inspired him to become involved with politics and public service. The last pages of the biography present FDR’s challenges to re-enter politics after being afflicted with polio. 

--Teresa R., Sachs

 

Staff Review: "The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus" by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet

There are people in the world that I don't know I'm thankful for until I read about them. Such is the case with Peter Roget, the creator of the thesaurus. Until I read Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet's beautiful book "The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus," I didn't realize what a debt I owe to this man for his life and work.

Peter Roget was born in 1779 and always loved making lists. He kept a book of word lists through college, becoming a doctor, and being a general renaissance man. One day he decided to publish his book of similar words, categorized by meaning, and that is why you can use a thesaurus every time you need to look for the right word.

Jen Bryant tells the story delightfully, and Melissa Sweet's illustrations are so spot on that this biography is a work of art. The text is often laid out in list format, and Sweet incorporates mixed-media lists in many of the pictures. It all harmonizes into a respectful, lovely whole, leaving the reader with the sense of having read a great story, not of having read a boring biography. For ages seven and up. Click on the link about to request a copy today.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "The Beatles" by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom

I always say that you can tell a lot about a person by their favorite Beatles album.  My Mom's is Abbey Road, but my Dad's was the White Album: evidence that opposites attract. Personally, my go-to is Rubber Soul. It's their sixth alum with songs you might recognize: Michelle, In My Life, Drive My Car, Nowhere Man.  I was raised with the songs of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.  

"The Beatles" by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom is a great introduction for children who want to learn about the band.  It starts with their childhoods, how they met, and the humble beginnings of The Beatles.  The format reminds me of a scrapbook with comics and historical background information in the sidebars.  The author describes the history and eventual breakup of the band in a way that children can understand without talking down to them.  There is a glossary in the back to define words they are unfamiliar with such as "record" and "hippie".  I like the soft lines and bold colors of the illustrations, but the one thing that would have made this book better is photos in the back.  

School Library Journal recommends this book for grades 3-5.

--Angie RH, Headquarters

Staff Review: "Who Was ?" Biography Series

What do Queen Elizabeth, Paul Revere, Jackie Robinson and Dr. Seuss all have in common? They're all featured in 'Who Was ?', a popular children's series. Shelved in the children's biography section, these books are easy to recognize by their caricature covers and smaller 6 x 8 inch size. Each book in this series helps children understand the past by presenting carefully researched information in a clear and readable manner. The subjects are believable, multidimensional, and inspiring. With so many titles to choose from, this collection is a great choice for summer reading.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Dewey Discoveries: "Annie and Helen" by Deborah Hopkinson and Raul Colon

In "Annie and Helen," written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Raul Colon, the engaging story of Helen Keller learning to read and understand language is brought to life through simple text and lovely illustrations. Highlighted by teacher Annie Sullivan's letters to a friend, and ending with Helen's first letter, it is a homage to the power and wonder of words. This always inspiring story is easily communicated and understandable for second to fifth graders. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today.

Dewey Number: J 362.4 Hopkinson Deborah

--Andrea W., H.Q.

New Books: African American Heroes

Here are a couple of inspiring new books about African Americans.  They're great reads for Black History Month or any time!

"Fifty Cents and a Dream" by Jabari Asima and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery.  He worked hard with his family and was not allowed to go to school.  After the Civil War, he learned to read, but he dreamed of a school where he could study writing.  With only fifty cents in his pocket, he left his home and walked 500 miles to study at the Hampton Institute.  Booker had followed his dreams; he had make it to college. 

"I Have a Dream" by Dr. Martin Luther King with paintings by Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson is a two time Coretta Scott King Award winner for his books We Are the Ship and Heart and Soul.  In this book, Kadir uses his signature oil paintings to express Dr. King's words from his famous I Have a Dream speech.  It is not the entire speech, but the parts that he chose perfectly compliment the illustrations.  As a bonus, the book includes a CD with an original recoding of Dr. King's speech from 1963. 

These books would be just right for children 5-8 years old.
For more books of inspiring African Americans, click on the covers below:

The library has a lot of great programs to celebrate Black History Month.  Check it out!

--Angie R., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists"

St. Louis County Library's children's collection includes a new biography series that introduces young readers to famous artists with just the right mix of information, humor and beautiful art. Each volume of Mike Venezia's "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists" presents the life and art of a selected artist -- Da Vinci, Whistler, Hopper, Cassatt, Homer and Pippin, to name a few. This series makes art accessible, approachable, and fun for readers of all ages. Sprinkled with his own original comics, Mike Venezia's well-crafted and sincere biographies teach and introduce art history, the artists and their techniques in a clever and enjoyable manner. Once you read one of the biographies in this new series, you'll find yourself glancing back at the photographs, smiling again at the comics, and then reaching for another volume. I hope that you'll read and share Mike Venezia's "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists" biographies sometime soon.

--Teresa R., Sachs