Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Okay I like to do things in order but I also like to get things done!


Story and Pictures by Clare Turlay Newberry
Bio from: http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.com/birthbios/brthpage/04apr/4-10newberry.html
Clare Turlay Newberry was born on April 10, 1903, in Enterprise, Oregon. She studied art at the University of Oregon, the California School of Fine Arts, and at La Grand Chaumiere in Paris, France. She focused on portrait painting but, in 1931, she wrote and illustrated her first book for children, Herbert the Lion. Ms. Newberry died in 1970 in San Diego, California.
Book Summary
                 A young girl, April, has a cat who ends up having three kittens.  The story is her adventure of watching them grow up and then move out.  It is kind of sad.  Thru the entire book her father says, they live in a one kitten apartment.  Thank goodness by the end there is a happy ending!
Illustrations: As before in 1939 for Barkis, the illustrations are very similar. Should be same person doing them!  They are soft and realistic!  They are gentle and magical.  After doing some research I have discovered that Ms. Newberry was very well known for her art work with cats.  She adored animals, cats the most.  The gently touch of water color adds the soft touch, making me just want to scoop up Barkis and Edward and squeeze them!
Art Medium: She primarily worked in watercolor and Conte crayon on velour pastel paper. Her children and pets were her inspiration for her animal books, many of which are in print today. April’s Kittens, Marshmallow, and T-Bone were all Caldecott Honor books. She was praised by critics for "instilling in children a compassion and sense of responsibility for animals."
Another reason to visit the University of Oregon: More art to look at!  This is the second illustrator to have original art work kept at this location, Wanda Gag was the other.  I loved her art work as well.
Guide to Clare Turlay Newberry Papers
1910-1969

Creator:
Newberry, Clare Turlay, 1903-
Title:
Clare Turlay Newberry Papers
Dates:
1910-1969 ( inclusive )
Quantity:
.25 linear feet (1 container)
Collection Number:
Ax 681
Summary:
Collection comprises literary manuscripts and book illustrations by American artist Clare Newberry, including 242 original drawings, sketches and illustrations; three book dummies; and scrapbooks from childhood and early school days.
Repository:
University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299 USA
URL:
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html

Final Thoughts:
1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? Maybe
2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? If you like cats then this is a good book for you!
3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book?  Perhaps, if the right price.
More info: 

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