Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (Author), Eric Carle (Illustrator, Introduction), Mitsumasa Anno (Illustrator), Quentin Blake (Illustrator), Nancy Ekholm Burkert (Illustrator), Ashley Bryan (Illustrator), Tomie dePaola (Illustrator), Jane Dyer (Illustrator), Mordecai Gerstein (Illustrator), Robert Ingpen (Illustrator), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator), Leo Lionni (Illustrator), Petra Mathers (Illustrator), Wendell Minor (Illustrator), Barry Moser (Illustrator), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures. -- School Library Journal

Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration. -- Kirkus, starred review

Product Description

In this remarkable and beautiful anthology featuring the likes of Maurice Sendak, Robert Sabuda, Rosemary Wells, and Eric Carle, twenty-three of the most honored and beloved artists in children’s literature talk informally to children—sharing secrets about their art and how they began their adventures into illustration. Fold-out pages featuring photographs of their early work, their studios and materials, as well as sketches and finished art create an exuberant feast for the eye that will attract both children and adults.

Self-portraits of each illustrator crown this important anthology that celebrates the artists and the art of the picture book. An event book for the ages.

Proceeds from the book will benefit the Eric Carle

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 114 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (September 25, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 0399246002
• ASIN: B001RTSFMS
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #11,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Art
  #4 in	Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Art > Sculpture

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More stars, please!, August 25, 2009

By	Judy K. Polhemus "Book Collector" (LA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art (Hardcover)

Sometimes a really creative artist has vision beyond himself and philantropic urges to propel him. "Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art" is just one product of the merger of these three qualities in Eric Carle, children's book writer and illustrator.

But wait, there's more. He and his wife developed and built a museum called the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Boston. Here the art of the picture book from around the world is celebrated. From the website comes this statement about fulfillment of the mission--"...by collecting, presenting and celebrating the art of the picture book from around the world and by providing interactive experiences and programs that are engaging and educational." One area Carle most values in the museum is the art studio where visitors (activity geared toward children) can actually create a "masterpiece." If you adore picture book illustrations (as I do), then visit the website for its treasures.

A second enterprise that sprang from the concept of "Artist to Artist" is the degree program with Simmons College, also in Boston. A student could earn a master's degree in Children's Literature or a joint art/literature/writing degree. For teachers and other professionals, an every-other-summer program focuses on picture book art. Visit the website for more information.

The proceeds from this book go directly to the museum. Even if there were not a museum, this book alone is a treasure in itself! Because Carle's desire--with talent behind it--to create art began in childhood, he conceived the idea of an anthology of picture book art dedicated to children who also discover the talent and desire to create art. He cites his mentors and tells children that they can think of this book as their mentors.

The 23 artists whose work comprises the pages of this book are certainly inspiring and exemplary. The layout for the pages of the first artist of the 23 is like the layout of the last one and all the ones in-between: A one-page letter to the reader/child--including a childhood picture of the artist, two pages of art, including a photograph of the artist's studio, and a self-portrait.

The first artist included in the book is Mitsumasa Anno (with whom I just recently became familiar) and the last is the collaborative team of Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart --the others in between are arranged alphabetically. I don't know why Sabuda and Reinhart are the last ones unless it is because they are pop-up artists. Perhaps they are placed last because their art is so different. I'm just guessing.

Here are statements from some of the 23 artists about their childhood dreams:

Mitsumasa Anno: "I believe that the culture that is part of your being from childhood is of great importance."

Eric Carle: "But I also try to keep an open mind, to listen to my intuition and allow for the unexpected, the coincidental, even the quirky to enter into my work."

Tomie dePaola: "I am just as happy as a lark that I am an Artist....But it is hard work....You have to practice, practice, practice--and don't copy."

Steven Kellogg: "One of the most fascinating things to me about drawing was the fact that I could create stories with my pictures."

Maurice Sendak: "As an aspring young artist, you should strive for originality of vision. No story is worth the writing, no picture worth the making, if it is not a work of the imagination."

Rosemary Wells: "Few people in this world can truly say they love their jobs and the meaning of their work. If you stay true to yourself and practice, practice, practice, you will have a life where you love what you do."

Oh so inspiring, so full of worthy quotes and childhoods rife with possibilities--the artists in this book, their lives and their work, make "Artist to Artist" a must-have book for teachers and parents, especially if you have an aspiring artist in your child--and definitely one or two for the school library!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book for all ages, January 7, 2008

By	J. Mahler (Bend, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my 18 year old daughter, who is off to college next year to major in art. Her ambition is to be an illustrator, so I thought it would be inspirational for her. She loves that it features the illustrators of many of her favorite books from when she was small. A great book for anyone who enjoys illustration and picture books.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art, September 5, 2008

By	andrew ffrench - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art (Hardcover)

i thought this book was going to be good, but i didn't know it would be this good. each well-known childrens' book writer/illustrator writes about their lives, influences and inspirations.

included are ealry photos, first drawings and a full page self-portrait.

so thoughtfully put together. a beautiful book to browse through and inspire you and your children to pick up a tool and draw, paint and create.