Picture Books

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking with artists. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455

PLOT SUMMARY

This is a juvenile nonfiction book aimed at readers age 9 and up. It consists of conversations between Pat Cummings and 14 children’s book illustrators, one of whom is herself. Each section of the book begins with a short essay titled “My story” in which the subject provides information about his background and how he became an illustrator. This is follow by a series of eight questions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The answers provide informative and entertaining reading. (Nearly all state they include family, friends, and pets in their art, sometimes unconsciously.) The language used is appropriate for junior high / high school readers. The background essays provide insight into the workings of the creative process and are written in an entertaining manner that holds the interest of the reader. Fans of the illustrators will find this book full of insights about their works. This is a highly readable book of interest to young artists and others interested in the creative process.

REVIEW EXCERPT

“Each segment offers an interesting autobiographical sketch. Companion interviews by Cummings answer questions from "Where do your ideas come from?" to "Do you have any children or pets?" The profiles exemplify the artists' backgrounds, ordinary or extraordinary lifestyles, and creative strengths. Illustrated with photos and drawings.
Follos, Alison. 2004. "Talking with Artists, Volume 2 (Book)." School Library Journal 50, no. 11: 65-65. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 9, 2009).

CONNECTIONS

Marcus, Leonard S. 2008. A Caldecott celebration: seven artists and their paths to the Caldecott medal. New York: Walker & Co. ISBN: 9780802797032