Customer Reviews

The Secret World of Walter Anderson

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
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Hester Bass masterfully brings to life artist Walter Anderson, who, as she says, may be "the most famous artist you've never heard of." Too, E.B. Lewis's watercolor illustrations are light and airy and gorgeous. This book would make a wonderful addition to any art class, especially the classes that teach that "art is an adventure." (Ms. Bass's words.) "The Secret World of Walter Anderson" is just lovely. If you love art, artists, or nature, this book is for you.

This book captured my interest from the very beginning to the last word. The story had a rhythm to it and the illustrations fit the story beautifully. Not only was it an interesting story, but the author managed to present Anderson's eccentric behaviors in such a way that they were woven into his character and did not really seem unusual. Lewis's illustrations complemented the descriptive narrative with Anderson's floppy hat and his gentle nature with animals. This book not only shares the life of a wonderful artist, but also teaches respect for our environment and shows that there is beauty in the simple things of life. Kudoes to Hester Bass and E.B. Lewis for bringing to light the talent of Walter Anderson and making his story available to children in language they can understand. Picture book biographies can appeal to a wider age span especially with the author's note providing more information for the older reader. I am delighted to have this book in my library since I am a native Mississippian and a retired teacher.

THE SECRET WORLD OF WALTER ANDERSON is a beautiful book that gives a peek into this reclusive gulf coast artist's life. The gentle, evocative language and luminous pictures create a magical world where imagination and observation rule and time seems to stand still. As readers catch a glimpse of the places the artist loved to frequent and the way in which he worked, they'll picture themselves there, too, in a quiet, reflective place where their own visions can materialize.

Walter Anderson loved nature and was an amazing artist.... He was known as the "famous artist". He loved

to explore and go on adventures across the water to an island called " Horn Island" He would even

pack a lunch and drawing supplies and would travel 12 miles across the water, sometimes

using an umbrella as a sail. Walter was in paradise on this island, he loved it and loved being will all the

different animals and creatures. When he was there he would paint all sorts of animals that he saw, even if

they were dead. Some thought he was crazy for going to this island for weeks at a time by himself just to

paint. One day he became very ill and had to be hospitalized. Lets just say I dont want to give anything away

about the end of the story, but I will tell you that someone finds somethings amazing of Walters and didnt

even realize what a gift and talent he had.

The only reason that I picked this certain book was because I was attracted to the cover, although this ended up being one of my favorites! The pictures are amazing and the way that the words flow with the pictures is exceptional. I was really impressed with this book; I couldn't put it down once I started it. It tells a biography in a captivating way and gets the reader interested. One of my favorite things about the book is that it taught the reader respect for our environment, the illustrations were mainly of nature and they made you realize and appreciate the simple things in life. I will definitely have this book in my library.

This book, written by Hester Bass, is actually a story of one man who spent time away from society and in-depth with nature. Walter Anderson's watercolor pictures are the focus of this enchanting realistic non-fiction. Very simply written, this book is graspable for children anwhere from 1st grade on up to 5th. This book highlighted the odd habits of a talented artist, as he wandered the shores of a remote island that became is home. We follow the artist throughout the book with grasping images and complimenting storyline. The reader can almost feel transported to this quiet, magical place where tranquility and nature soothe the soul. All pictures in the book are masterpeices of Walter Anderson "The most famous artist you've never heard of" according to their author. I would highly recommend this book for the classroom, if only for the peaceful feelings it gives and the appreciation for beautiful realistic art, that children of all ages can enjoy.

The Secret World of

Walter Anderson

By: Hester Bass, Illustrated By: E.B. Lewis

Orbis Pictus Award

I absolutely adore this book! The illustrations are beautiful and full of detail. I love how E.B. Lewis used watercolor. It really made the book come to life and captured what the author was trying to portray in the writing. It captures the story of artist, Walter Anderson. It shows his quirky and unique personality in the illustrations and verbiage. The best part about this book is that it teaches a young reader to have respect for the environment and those around it. It illustrates the natural beauty in our surroundings and is just a beautiful story. This is a great book for young readers to open their minds to an imaginative, yet realistic vision.

I bought this bk for the 5/2010 bday of my 7yr old neice who will be in 2nd gr 8/2010. She is an avid reader of easy kids bks that she has loved since she was a baby, as well as easy chapter bks she can now devour. I was drawn to the bk by the beautiful illustration paintings. My brother-in-law, my niece's father, is a big fan of Walter Anderson, & has 3 nice prints on display @ home; I knew he would also enjoy the bk. I thought my niece would get a kick out of reading about an artist whose work is displayed in her home, which she has. The story is very nice for early elementary age children. Had I run across the bk when my now 11 yr old rising 6th grade daughter was in 2nd gr, I would have bought this for her classrm along w/many other young reader biographies we donated during their concentration on biographies. I was pleased to see that this was one of the bks my neice packed for our family beach trip this past wk. Before I wrapped the bk as a bday gift, my 11 yr old even enjoyed reading through.

This is a beautifully told story about a person who walked outside of the definition of what most seem to characterize as "normal" life.... Walter Anderson marched to his inner drummer and left the world a very special legacy ! This is a nicely told story that adults as well as children should enjoy reading, and I think the pictures capture the essence of the man.