Hey, even if it's not shipping until September 28th, my latest picture book illustration project on the market, "Calico Dorsey," written by the extraordinarily gifted Susan Lendroth, has already garnered a nice review from School Library Journal. In the in interest of shameless plugs and self-aggrandizement as a healthy and effective marketing and promotional tool, I'm reproducing it below:
Gr 2-5—Illuminating California's silver mining era, Lendroth creates a plausible story line. It is based on a possibility of actual events surrounding the Border collie that came to be an official U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, crossing the Mojave Desert between the town of Calico and the hills where the miners and prospectors worked. Perspectives on the dog's experiences are related by the Stacey brothers, who run the general store and post office; Nellie, the young daughter and niece; and Dorsey himself, which create excitement for young readers. In the author's notes, Lendroth writes that she uses the information she found during her research to create a story based on fact. Gustavson's paintings are intergrated into the text, flowing from page through the centerfold to page, making this obscure story larger than life. The vitality of the characters is enhanced by the artist's accurate, yet expressive details that add humor and sweetness to the faces of both the people and Dorsey.—Tina Hudak, St. Albans School, Washington, DC
3 comments:
Actually, I really liked your art and this is what I wrote in its entirety, but SLJ does edit:
"Gustavson, who works with many children's authors, is perhaps best known for is illustrations for Good Luck, Mrs. K! (McElderry 1999), a Parent's Choice Award winner. Remaining true to his style, the artwork is representational using oils. The paintings are seamlessly into the text, flowing from page through the centerfold to page, making this obscure story larger than life for the reader. As in Mrs. K, the life and vitality of the story's characters are enhanced with his accurate, yet expressive details that add humor and sweetness to the faces of both people and Dorsey."
Tina Hudak
Wow, thanks so much, Tina.
Illustrating can really be such a solitary act, so I think I can speak for my entire profession in thanking you for your very personal attentiveness and specificity in your review.
All the best,
Adam
Looks like a great book, and how nice to hear from the reviewer... that has never happened to me.
Post a Comment