Marcus, Leonard S. 2008. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York: Walker & Company.
ISBN: 9780802797032
PLOT SUMMARY:
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION was first published in 1998 as a salute to the sixtieth anniversary of the Randolph Caldecott Medal, an award given to outstanding illustrators of children's books. Leonard Marcus profiles six medal winners, one from each of the previous decades. In this 2008 edition, one more biography is added to the compilation. All of the selected artists were also the authors, as well as the illustrators of their award winning books.
The artists interviewed are Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, David Weisner, and Mordecai Gerstein. The first page of each interview features photographs of the artist and their medal-winning bookcovers. Each profile is about 6-7 pages long and includes the story of how each of them had become an artist, how their winning book had been designed and created, and what winning the distinguished award meant to each author.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
By letting the author/illustrators speak through quotes in his interviews, Mr. Marcus gives us more insight into the inspiration and creativity of each artist. Preliminary sketches and drawings also help to reveal the creative processes employed in producing the books.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Booklist:
"A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/illustrator studies."
Horn Book:
"The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding."
CONNECTIONS:
*Other books about the Caldecott Medal and children's book illustrators:
Bankston, John. RANDOLPH J. CALDECOTT AND THE STORY OF THE CALDECOTT MEDAL
ISBN: 1584152001
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART
ISBN: 9780399246005
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