Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Time to Hunt a Fox!


1948 Caldecott Honor: Roger and the Fox

By Lavinia R. Davis                            Pictures by Hildegard Woodward

Woodward, Hildegard
(1898 - 1972)

A major American artist of the illustrated book, Hildegard Woodward first studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and then completed her education in Paris, France. Upon her return to America she was introduced to the book arts by the Boston illustrator, Marguerite Davis. Woodward completed her first illustrated children’s book in 1931, Alice Dagliesh’s, The Blue Teapot: Sandy Cove Stories.
Several years later Hildegard Woodward moved to New York City and was in constant demand for her illustrations from publishers there. She illustrated many more books by authors such as Elizabeth Coatsworth, Alice Dagliesh and Julia Bristol Bischoff. Woodward also received Caldecott Honor Book Citations for Roger and the Fox (1947) and The Wild Birthday Cake (1949), both written by Lavinia Riker Davis. Finally, Hildegard Woodward both authored and illustrated several books, the most notable being, Time Was (1941) and The House on Grandfather’s Hill (1961).


Book Summary

A young boy named Roger, is on the hunt to see a wild Fox.  Roger recently moved from the city to the farm and enjoys the wildlife and adventures he finds in the countryside.  He has learned from Seth, an older man who works on the farm.  Seth has taught Roger to stand still and be quite in order to see wildlife.  Roger uses these skills one day to see a chipmunk and when he tells Seth what he saw, Seth shares that he saw a Fox.  Roger then is eager to see the same Fox.  Roger has many tries to see the fox  yet they are all unsuccessful.  Does he win in the end?  Read to find out.

Illustrations

Hildegard Woodward worked with paints.  I am not sure if that is the medium used in this book.  I would not have guessed Paints first, but then again I am so far from being an expert.  The illustrations appear to have more pencil work in them to me.  I see lines to portray tall grass in the woods.  I see clear edged leaves.  Anyhow they are great illustrations.

The effect they have on me?  The illustrations fill the pages.  The text is not part of the pictures but rather laid on top of.  There is white space behind the text.  The colors are few, grey and white for the most part with orange, red, and blue sprinkled through out the pictures.

My favorite picture was when Roger arrives at his front door, on skies!  His mother opens the door and you can just feel the snow and cold wind blow thru the open door.  The picture shows so much movement.  Mothers skirt is flying like crazy, she is standing on tip toe because of the rush of cold. 

Final Thoughts:

1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? Yes

2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? Yes

3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book? Yes

4. Where did I get the book? Lewis and Clark College, Portland OR

Monday, August 8, 2011

A Little fun for Monday!


1948 Caldecott Honor: Bambino The Clown

By Georges Schreiber

George Schreiber

Georges Schreiber (1904-1977) was born in Brussels, Belgium, but after studying art in Berlin, London, Rome, Paris and Florence, moved in 1928 to the United States where he died in New York. His works have been exhibited in a number of major American museums, and collections of his works can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, The Whitney Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York. His style changed over the years. Thus, in the 40's his art could be definitely placed in the American Regionalism movement, but in the 60's his work, though still figurative, moved towards the ethereally abstract. We have examples of both these styles in our stock.



Bio from: http://www.artatthecenter.com/html/Artists.cfm?ID=31

Book Summary

A darling man shows a young innocent boy how to become a clown at the circus.

Bambino is the main character.  He is a man from Italy who enjoys making other laugh.  Bambino finds a young boy, Peter crying who has lost his hat.  Bambino then offers Peter the opportunity to come to his house and take one of his hats.  Peter than gets to watch as Bambino prepares for a performance.  Peter eagerly wants to learn how to make people laugh, so Bambino includes Peter in his act.

Illustrations

These pictures look like the type of picture books illustrations we see today.  They are bold and fun.  They are whimsy and playful.  They are detailed where needed and then open ended.  Sometimes we see the faces of the characters, we see the characters reactions and feelings.  Other times the face is just a smudge of paint, which leaves me to wonder and create my own story.  I found the pictures to be a delight and fun.  I hope you do to!

Final Thoughts:

1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? Yes

2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? Yes

3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book? Yes

4. Where did I get the book? Pierce County got a copy from University of Portland Library

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Timothy Turtle Video

1947 Timothy Turtle


1947 Caldecott Honor: Timothy Turtle

By Al Graham                     pictured by Tony Palazzo

I am having a great deal of difficulty finding any Bio info for Tony Palazzo.  If you know of a link or a site with this info please let me know.

Book Summary

Timothy Turtle becomes unhappy with his daily life, providing a ferry service for other animals.  He is then convinced to go on an adventure up a hill.  He gives it a try and comes back to a celebration in his honor.

The words are set in a type of rhyme, others have said it reminds they of Dr. Seuss.  I found it slow and hard to read every word.  I found a youtube video of the story I will post, let me know your thoughts.

Illustrations
The illustrations are cute and realistic.  I would have to guess at how they are done, it looks like Pen and Ink with a watercolor background.  The Water Color is either light blue or light orange.  Color really is just there to soften the page.  I did enjoy the details of the animals.   I also enjoyed how Mr. Palazzo illustrated Timothy Turtle in his time of great need.

Final Thoughts:

1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? Probably Not

2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? Just watch the video I found.

3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book? Not sure, it would have to be a good price.

4. Where did I get the book? Portland Community College