11/01/2019
K-Gr 2—Unlike other biographies narrated in the first person, this engaging book about artist Norman Rockwell asks questions and forms a solid connection between reader and narrator. Burleigh chronicles Rockwell's life in snapshots that correspond with different events in American history; for instance, the author asks, "What is an artist to do when war comes?" and responds by detailing the history of The Four Freedoms, one of Rockwell's most famous works, based on a speech given by Franklin Roosevelt during World War II. Though rendered in Minor's style, the illustrations mimic Rockwell's work. VERDICT This important addition to biography collections is aimed at young readers with little to no knowledge of the artist. It will interest and hopefully inspire early elementary students who love art.—Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY
2019-06-23
The iconic American illustrator welcomes readers into his home and life.
"Hi, I'm Norman. Norman Rockwell. Come on in." The creator of over 320 covers for the Saturday Evening Post speaks directly to readers, inviting them into his studio and on to a tour of other studios in his life—his dining room when he was young, neighborhood streets, classroom blackboards, and art school. He tells how he sold his first works, how he got his ideas, and how he used models—adult, child, and even a turkey! Rockwell is known for painting the "ideal aspects" of life, "life like I'd like it to be," he said, and he received criticism for being old-fashioned and nostalgic, but Burleigh's Rockwell claims he did change to face the times he lived in. During World War II, he painted his iconic series "The Four Freedoms," based on President Franklin Roosevelt's famous speech. And after Ruby Bridges integrated an all-white public school in the 1960s, Rockwell painted the famous, enigmatically titled The Problem We All Live With. Minor uses watercolor, gouache, and pencil to effectively render many of Rockwell's sketches and paintings and, except for Ruby Bridges, Rockwell's all-white world.
An inviting and admiring introduction to an important American artist. (further biography, author's note, illustrator's note, list of paintings rendered, timeline, reproductions) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)
