Just Being Audrey [Hardcover]

Margaret Cardillo (Author), Julia Denos (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: January 25, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 740L (What's this?)

From Roman Holiday to Breakfast at Tiffany's, when Audrey Hepburn starred in a movie, she lit up the screen. Her unique sense of fashion, her grace, and, most important, her spirit made her beloved by generations. But her life offscreen was even more luminous. As a little girl growing up in Nazi-occupied Europe, she learned early on that true kindness is the greatest measure of a person—and it was a lesson she embodied as she became one of the first actresses to use her celebrity to shine a light on the impoverished children of the world through her work with UNICEF.

This is Audrey Hepburn as a little girl, an actress, an icon, an inspiration; this is Audrey just being Audrey.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It’s hard to believe life for Audrey Hepburn was ever anything but smart clothes, quirky expressions, and wistful gazes into the eyes of Cary Grant, but Cardillo makes a strong case to the contrary. Growing up in WWII–era Europe, Audrey wanted only to be a dancer, but the other girls made fun of her physical hurdles: “She was too tall, her feet were too big, and her neck was too long,” and “her eyes seemed too big for her head.” Young readers will get the message: these were precisely the traits that made Audrey an iconic beauty as an adult. In short order, she was spotted by entertainment heavyweights for her je ne sais quoi and quickly catapulted to fame. Denos’ soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes. Her later humanitarian deeds are given their due, but it is Audrey’s simple kindness that is emphasized throughout. Grades 1-3. --Daniel Kraus

Review

“Denos’ soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes.” (Booklist )

“Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children’s book as she is in those soigné roles of the silver screen.” (Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Balzer + Bray (January 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780061852831
• ISBN-13: 978-0061852831
• ASIN: 006185283X
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( H ) > Hepburn, Audrey
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Performing Arts

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Being Audrey - A Gift for All Ages February 6, 2011

By Judy Baker

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just Being Audrey proves to be one of those relatively rare cases where the author and illustrator are completely in synch regarding the theme and tone of the book. Author Margaret Cardillo writes like she has always known Audrey Hepburn by heart and after extensive research by the author and illustrator, Julia Denos, the two artists bring her best qualities to life for a new generation of readers.

To be kind above all, a message Hepburn's mother, a baroness, instilled in Audrey, is timely in our age of a disturbing increase in bullying as a result of ignorance of differences and issues of diversity. It is a welcome theme throughout the book and one that children respond very well to. Audrey always felt different, but with her mother's significant encouragement we learn how she turns her unique qualities into strength of character. It is her strength of spirit that forges an unforgettable film career as well as a life that is dedicated to her own cherished children and, later in life, to children around the globe through UNICEF.

Just Being Audrey is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book and a special gift to older generations who have grown up loving Audrey Hepburn.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book March 29, 2011

By Modern Gal

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A beautiful book about a BEAUTIFUL person. The words and illustrations are as timeless as our Audrey. I am ordering another set of copies for Mother's Day and Easter presents. THANK YOU Margaret Cardillo and Julio Denos for your sincere and amazing work. There's hope for the young girls out there!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Students loved this book!!! January 28, 2011

By Ms. Mac

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I preordered this book and received this delightful book yesterday, 1/27/11. I took it to show my students that I tutor the same day. We read the book together. One of my students wants to be a dancer, another an actress and the others were introduced to this time period for the first time. All were impressed with her "courage", while the two aforementioned wanted their own copy. I hope to place one of the copies I purchased in the school library. I will be looking forward to more books done by this author and illustrator-especially biographies that demonstrate the 'choice of hope over sorrow'. (PFM)