In an interesting Guardian feature, five children's illustrators nominate their favourite living artist in their field...
Recently in Illustration Category
The Helpful Elves by August Kopish, one of many classic children's book reprints given a fresh existence by the splendid Floris Books
'Based on a well-known poem by Kopisch (1799-1853) and illustrated in muted tones by Braun-Fock (1898-1973), the charm of this tale lies in the tiny elf tabs found at the top of each page. Together in a row, 10 elves are perched expectantly -- each made distinct with a different smile or a long white beard -- forming a miniature audience to watch readers. One can almost hear them gleefully giggling at the comeuppance they know is coming at the end. An enchanting, if abrupt, piece of German lore brought to a new audience. The lesson, curiosity killed the cat, rings true in all cultures.' -- KIRKUS
Looking for an alternative to an Annual as a present?
How about this slapstick comic-book-style graphic adventure from The DFC Library
The Boss is the smartest kid in school and with the class heading for a field trip to the castle that very day, it's the perfect chance to find out what the thieves are up to - and just maybe catch them red-handed...
About Patrice Aggs.
John Aggs is Patrice Aggs' son.
The Czech illustrator who created Little Mole has died, aged 90.
"Walt Disney used almost all animals in his cartoons, except one -- the one that I picked," Miler said about the "Little Mole", whom he created after tripping on a molehill during a walk in 1956.Later in that year, he produced the first "Little Mole" movie which won a Silver Lion prize at the Venice film festival.
| Rachna Gilmore ill,. Pulak Biswas |
| Tradewind |
| 9781896580579 |
| June 2011 |
| 32 pp |
| Whole book read |
| Read On? n/a |
 |
|
Movingly told, simply but effectively illustrated by one of India's best-known illustrators, this is a lovely short story by Governor General Award-winning author, Rachna Gilmore.
Set in a countryside prone to flooding, it tells the story of Chandra who is left an orphan after her parents are swept away by floodwater. All she has to remember them by is the wooden flute that her mother used to play so beautifully. Taken in by a cruel and merciless aunt and uncle, Chandra is treated as a slave. The flute is the only object of comforrt in her world. Even after she loses it (swept away by swollen river waters) the flute is able to perform its magic, filling her spirit with hope, and even feeding her body.
Finally, after another flood, Chandra is taken in by a kind couple, who treat her not as a slave but as their own daughter.
Pleasingly designed and printed, this is a picture book to keep in a home library for many a year.
Warmly recommended.
|
Ezra Jack Keats at the Jewish Museum, New York
Ezra Jack Keats and 'The Snowy Day' are honored on book's 50th anniversary
Jewish Museum exhibit covers work of the children's author-illustrator - the exhibit (which opened in September) continues till January 29th - more information here:
http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/the-snowy-day-and-keats-exhibition
Lots of new suggestions added:
Reload for another randomised sequence
Andy Warhol, Children's Book Illustrator
Yes, THE Andy Warhol...
Andy Warhol illustrated several children's books in the 1950s as part of Doubleday's Best In Children's Book series before leaving the publishing world behind, and lately they've been back in the public eye...
William Steig - Unpublished Drawings
a collection of unpublished drawings, "Cats, Dogs, Men, Women, Ninnies, & Clowns" (Abrams Image, $40) appears as a fresh and quirky way of discovering the celebrated illustrator's oeuvre...
Visitor Information: 13 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8DU Tel: 020 7042 5730 | www.flemingcollection.com
Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm | Admission Free
Grahame Baker-Smith has won the 2011 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, the UK's most prestigious children's illustration award for FArTHER.
Rather shamefully missed this at the weekend. I blame the brouhaha surrounding World Book Night.
Joanna Carey's profiles of illustrators cry out to be collected into a single volume one of these days.
Amongst other observations she makes about Foreman, she says this:
He's worked with countless authors, but most productively with Michael Morpurgo. They met originally to discuss a little book about a donkey, but that was shelved in favour of a much bigger project, Arthur, High King of Britain. With its stirring full-on illustrations depicting pounding hooves, clashing steel, magic and romance, this was the first of many collaborations - 25 books so far. It's a very creative, empathetic partnership: they have a lot in common, including (overlapping) memories of the war years which have inspired so many of their books.
The footnote to the piece reads:
"Next week, online only, Joanna Carey meets the Japanese illustrator Satoshi Kitamura."
So take note, lest I fail to include the link.
The Illustrators:
An exhibition of contemporary children's book illustration curated by Julia Donaldson
theparkgallery, Callendar House, Callendar Park, Falkirk
in collaboration with Artlink Central
12 March - 2 May 2011
Gillian Smith, Arts Development Officer said "As interest in the art of illustration for children has grown considerably in recent years the Park Gallery is delighted to collaborate with Artlink Central and invite Julia Donaldson to curate 'The Illustrators' - a unique and intimate exhibition of work by artists who have illustrated Julia's books.
The exhibition aims to highlight the diverse range of approaches to illustration and focuses on a number of artists who have worked with Julia over the years. Featuring original works (by, Axel Scheffler, amongst others) visitors will see examples of preparatory work - sketches, ideas and a unique display envelopes.
"I think my postman has a more interesting life than most,"aid Julia Donaldson, "because every time Axel writes to me he decorates the envelope, often involving the stamp in a witty way, like turning Prince William into a giant. Sometimes the postman has to search for my name and address, as when Axel wrote them on various bricks being played with by the Gruffalo's Child."
Kevin Harrison , Director of Artlink Central said, "This exhibition offers not only a diverse and rich spread of some of the most exciting children's art in the country, but also a personal insight into the processes and collaborations behind the work. We are hugely grateful to Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and other contributors, their agents and publishers who have all generously supported the ambitions of this project."
The exhibition includes some not yet published images from forthcoming books illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Sam McCullen, Pam Smy and even sketches and drawings for a new book by Julia Donaldson with illustrator Charlotte Voake.
