Michael Bird-Boy [Paperback]

Thomas Anthony De Paola (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1978 | ISBN-10: 0135808111 | ISBN-13: 978-0135808115

A young boy who loves the countryside determines to find the source of the black cloud that hovers above it.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (May 1978)
• ISBN-10: 0135808111
• ISBN-13: 978-0135808115
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,397,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.
It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.
He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.
Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.
- He has been published for over 30 years.
- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:
- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association
- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association
- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal
- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lasting Impression, August 9, 2000

By 

S. Stanfield "skycedar" (Willits, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Michael Bird-Boy (Library Binding)

Wow! I read this book as a child and I remember learning about the story and the environmental message. I just found my childhood copy and I am thrilled to find how wonderful it is again! I am glad it is still in print. Enjoy, teach your kids about changing things. Sadly, the black cloud this time is caused by a much more harmful problem, fossil fules...

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joyful read-aloud, October 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Michael Bird-Boy (Paperback)

I can't give enough praise to this book. I've worn out my old copy and am now ordering a new one. The characters are fun and whimsical, kids can relate to them. The message is positive and empowering--kids come up with compromises and solutions to problems. And it has a subtle anti-sexist message without being overpowering and pedantic in its political correctness. Micheal Bird Boy and Boss Lady both seem comfortable in their own unique skin, and that's also a great message for kids. This is a fine example of a pre-k/early elem. book that shows environmental action in a positive light. A nice gift for the Micheals in your life!

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful childrens book, November 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Michael Bird-Boy (Paperback)

Michael Bird-Boy is a wonderful story, that takes an environmental message in to action. Michael Bird Boy is able to find solutions to problems in the story, with positive interaction between Michael and the problems. Michael is far more empowering and optimistic than the environmental classic The Lorax, without sugar coating the issue or leaving the reader (child and parent) without possible solutions.