We have now entered into the 20th century. I think going backwards and looking at some of these fabulous books is also very interesting in regards to how illustrations have really changed over the years through the different medias used.
1999 Caldecott Medal Winner:
Snowflake Bentley illustrated by Mary Azarian and written by Jacqueline Martin
A fabulous biography on a self-taught scientist who photographed thousands of snowflakes in order to study their unique formations. The illustrations are woodcuts, hand tinted with watercolors. A great book to honor a great man. Grades K-3. ***
1999 Caldecott Honor Winners:
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra illustrated by Brian Pinkney and written by Andrea Pinkney
This wonderfully written book is a brief recounting of Duke Ellington's career as a jazz musician and composer. The illustrations are unique in that each picture is prepared as scratchboard rednerings with luma dyes, gouache and oil paint. Duke Ellington was one of the greatest composers of the 20th century and was considered the king of keys. Well written with bright bold colorful illustrations. Grades 1-4 **
No, David! by David Shannon
A creative remake of a story written and illustrated by David Shannon as a 5 year-old that he has brought to life. David Shannon has created a double paged spread with brightly colored illustrations and simple text about a little boy, himself, always getting into trouble. A great story for preschoolers! Pre K- 2. **
Snow by Uri Shulevitz
This is Uri Shulevitz's second Caldecott honor. This book is a sweet celebration of the coming of snow. Written with simple text and wonderful illustrations in the subtle gray tones, Shulevitz paints entire city scapes in different shades of gray. This is the companion book to Dawn and Rain, Rain River. Grades Pre K- 2. ***
Tibet Through the Red Box by Peter Sis
This book reminds me of Peter Sis and his book, The Wall. Once again Peter Sis has written a very personal book. I can't do justice to review this book. This is what School Library Journal has to say.
Grade 7 Up-Through personal memories, old tales, and intriguing pictures, Sis opens a door to the little-known land and religion of Tibet. There is a room, a study, in a house in Prague where a red box waits to be opened. It holds a diary of a long ago journey to Tibet made by the author's filmmaker father, sent to record the building of the first road from Communist China into the high mountains of Tibet. The room appears again and again, suffused with the colors of memory. Throughout the book are small sketches and large landscapes, and handwritten diary pages on yellowed sheets with the texture of parchment. Similar in structure and art style to Sis's The Three Golden Keys (Doubleday, 1994), this book is more solidly grounded in the reality of an adventurous journey to central Asia. Then, like a nest of boxes, it reveals layers of memory, tales of Tibet and, finally, references to the present era of political oppression and the hopes that rest on the singular figure of the Dalai Lama. Most intriguing are the eight full-page illustrations inspired by circular, symmetrical patterns and detailed symbols of the Tibetan wheel of life, creatively adapted to the text. Who will venture to study and decipher this artful book with its postmodern structure, its mysterious figures, and its interweaving of past and future? Adults will see the book as a way to introduce children to the geography, culture, and religion of Tibet. Attentive young people will be drawn to puzzle out the meaning of the stories and pictures. Art-conscious readers of all ages will appreciate the author's groundbreaking, creative use of the picture-book format in ways that challenge both eye and mind. Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
1998 Caldecott Medal Winner:
Rapunzel by Paul Zelinsky
Paul Zelinsky has been a Caldecott honor medalist three previous times. The illustrations in this classic fairy tale are just breathtaking. They are oil paintings with a Renaissance feel to them. Zelinksy also does a wonderful job retelling this classic tale and brings Rapunzel to life for not only children but adults too. *****
1998 Caldecott Honor Winners:
The Gardener illustrated by David Small and written by Sarah Stewart
This sweet story is about a young woman during the Great Depression that has to move into the city and takes her love of gardening with her. The story is creative in that the author has created it through a series of letters back and forth from a little girl, Lydia Grace, to her father while she lives in the city with her Uncle. The illustrations are wonderful with expressive characters, ink-line details, and patches of pastel. The muted backgrounds convey the urban 1930s setting both in the city and in the country.
Grades K-3 ****
Harlem illustrated by Christopher Myers and poem by Walter Dean Myers.
This wonderful poetry about life in Harlem with bold collage art in bright colors connect pictures with the words. A great book for all ages that shows the spirit of Harlem through music, art, literature and everyday life. Grades 1-4 ***
There Was an Old Lady Who Swalloed a Fly by Simms Taback.
This is one of America's favorite folk poem, first heard in the 1940's and re-written many different ways. This book is unique in that the author/illustrator shows the reader what actually happens on the inside of the old lady's stomach using die-cut collage with bright colors and mixed media. Grades K-3
***
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