If: A Father's Advice to His Son [Hardcover]

Rudyard Kipling (Author), Charles R. Smith Jr. (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2007 | Age Level: 6 and up

What makes a boy into a man?

Courage.

Confidence.

Patience.

Integrity...

For more than one hundred years, this classic poems has inspired readers to reach for the best in themselves.

In pictures and words, here's what every boy needs to know most.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—Kipling's powerful poem comes to life for a contemporary audience in atmospheric photographs that use the metaphor of sports. A lovely shot of a boy heading a soccer ball accompanies the opening couplet: "If you can keep your head/when all about you/are losing theirs/and blaming it on you…." The mood and actions in most of the illustrations clearly invoke the verse, although two are murky and enigmatic. Shadows and dispersed light are used artfully and, interestingly, all of the people have their backs to the camera or appear in profile; their anonymity confirms the sense of universality found in the poem. The attractive presentation includes an eye-catching cover, a blend of font sizes in alternating black or white print, and a judicious use of white space that gives the eye some rest between the many action-filled images. In a thoughtful afterword, Smith explains why he chose to interpret this particular poem. Teachers and parents will enjoy sharing this book with kids; it is a good vehicle to promote discussion.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA
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About the Author

Charles R. Smith Jr. is the acclaimed poet and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator of My People, a picture book based on the poem by Langston Hughes. He is also the illustrator of If, and he won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for his book Twelve Rounds To Glory. He grew up in California and attended the Brooks Institute of Photography. A magazine and book cover photographer in addition to a picture book creator, Charles now lives with his wife and son in Poughkeepsie, New York. Visit him on the web at www.charlesrsmithjr.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689877994
• ISBN-13: 978-0689877995
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Girl Scouts & Girl Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, September 14, 2011

By 

Cathy Moss (ODENTON, MD, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: If: A Father's Advice to His Son (Hardcover)

Purchased this book for my hubby on Father's Day to read to our sons. It is a pretty good book. I think it is somehting special btwn them and hubby for many years.