Published by Chronicle Books
Summary: In this follow-up to Balderdash! John Newbery and the Birth of Children’s Books, Michelle Markel looks at the man who was the namesake for another famous children’s literature award. Despite a weak heart, Randolph Caldecott loved being outdoors, hanging out with animals, and capturing what he saw on paper. His father sought to quash his love of art with a career as a banker, but Randolph kept drawing. When offered a chance to illustrate children’s books, he went against the prevailing fashion of stilted decorations and created art with plenty of action and animals. Kids and adults loved his work, and Randolph became an international success, his work continuing to influence illustrators 150 years later. Includes a list of the Caldecott reproductions included in the illustrations; a list of annotations; a picture of the Caldecott medal; additional information about illustrated Victorian periodicals and the big three toy book illustrators (Caldecott, Walter Crane, and Kate Greenaway); and a list of books by Randolph Caldecott. 44 pages; grades K-3.
Pros: This exuberant book brings Randolph Caldecott to life with beautiful illustrations inspired by his art. It seems only fitting for this to be considered for a Caldecott medal or honor.
Cons: There’s a great illustration of several Caldecott medalists reading their own books; I wasn’t able to identify all of them, and I wish the back matter had included a list.
Summary: In this follow-up to Balderdash! John Newbery and the Birth of Children’s Books, Michelle Markel looks at the man who was the namesake for another famous children’s literature award. Despite a weak heart, Randolph Caldecott loved being outdoors, hanging out with animals, and capturing what he saw on paper. His father sought to quash his love of art with a career as a banker, but Randolph kept drawing. When offered a chance to illustrate children’s books, he went against the prevailing fashion of stilted decorations and created art with plenty of action and animals. Kids and adults loved his work, and Randolph became an international success, his work continuing to influence illustrators 150 years later. Includes a list of the Caldecott reproductions included in the illustrations; a list of annotations; a picture of the Caldecott medal; additional information about illustrated Victorian periodicals and the big three toy book illustrators (Caldecott, Walter Crane, and Kate Greenaway); and a list of books by Randolph Caldecott. 44 pages; grades K-3.
Pros: This exuberant book brings Randolph Caldecott to life with beautiful illustrations inspired by his art. It seems only fitting for this to be considered for a Caldecott medal or honor.
Cons: There’s a great illustration of several Caldecott medalists reading their own books; I wasn’t able to identify all of them, and I wish the back matter had included a list.