Norman Rockwell: America's Best-Loved Illustrator (First Books--Biographies) [Library Binding]

Joel H. Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: First Books--Biographies

A biography of the painter who for sixty-five years portrayed America for Americans as they liked to see themselves.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7. Cohen emphasizes the artist's philosophy of painting "America at its best" in this lively biographical account. Black-and-white photographs of Rockwell and his family appear throughout as do numerous examples of his paintings, reproduced in full color. Cohen points out that his subject first immersed himself in painting to overcome the taunts he received as a child for being gawky and nonathletic. The artist's work for the Saturday Evening Post is highlighted and background information is provided for some his most famous illustrations. Although no sources are cited, Cohen includes quotes from Rockwell, supporting his dedication to his art and personal beliefs of "kindness, decency, friendship, family ties, and patriotism," which now are synonymous with the man. A list of museums that house his work is appended. A readable introduction to Rockwell's life and times.?Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Although...billed as a biography for children, even adults will find the book offers a new perspective on the artist (and) may learn some trivia about "America's best-loved illustrator"... As popular as his art was, he battled throughout this long career with low self-esteem...Students will identify with the boy who was unathletic, painfully shy...(yet later) reached out to everyone in town to model for him. (Former models describe the fun he had with them in the studio.)

Rockwell's life story is described in a simple, straightforward manner. Photographs of the artist and his family, along with full-color reproductions of his most famous works show young readers the "Rockwell style" from his early Saturday Evening Post covers to his final works on civil rights themes.

...a bargain for the art reproductions alone, and the text serves as a good introduction to art or to biographies for middle grade students. -- Staten Island Register Sept. 30, 1997

It is refreshing to find a book that, while focusing on [Rockwell's] work, takes a different and unusual path.

Cohen...has put together a reader-friendly biography aimed at young readers in grades four through six.

Those of us, of a certain age to be sure, take Rockwell for granted. He was part of our lives and captured the American spirit. Yet mention his name to youngsters today and the result is likely to be a blank stare.

Cohen, of Staten Island, has done exhaustive research, including interviewing many of the models Rockwell used in his illustrations, to produce a book that is not only easily understood, but fun to read for children and adults.

He takes us behind the scenes, telling how certain paintings came to be and the philosophy behind them, such as the legendary Four Freedoms.

What a wonderful way to introduce young people to an American treasure. -- Asbury Park Press, January 24, 1999

This taut biography is crammed with information and fascinating tidbits on the life of Rockwell (who) by any yardstick, stands among the highest...in the pantheon of American illustrator giants.

...Written for children grades 4-6, but a book people of all ages might pick up...if only to view the numerous color reproductions...to be read by both children and adults, if only to recall a gentler age in our nation's history as envisioned through the eyes and paint brush of a master illustrator.

The artist (whose) career spanned more than 65 years (was)...a complex man, a stickler for authenticity and meticulous craftsman. (He) painted pictures not from life, but as he "would like it to be" (and) made the average American "special."

Students will find easy-to-follow assistance on how to further their knowledge of the illustrator through a bibliography and a list of places to visit... -- Staten Island Advance, Feb. 15, 1998

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531202666
• ISBN-13: 978-0531202661
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,119,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating, beautifully-illustrated book for young people, December 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Norman Rockwell: America's Best-Loved Illustrator (First Books--Biographies) (Library Binding)

Rockwell's life story is a fascinating read, and this book features numerous beautiful, full-color reproductions of his work. The author makes a persuasive case for Rockwell as a genius whose work endures throught the decades, and it's an inspiring story for readers of all ages.