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nglofile's review against another edition
5.0
A real treasure. Both the plot itself and the style in which it is conveyed effectively capture the style of old-time silent films. The story centers on an immigrant family struggling to reunite and to survive in the unfamiliar world of New York in 1909. After a series of disheartening events, the boy is then spotted by a movie director and invited to act in his new film. This opportunity leads to a change in their fortunes, creating for them a truly happy ending.
As the reader views the story, one cannot help but notice the striking woodcut black and white images. Text is minimal and gestures are dramatic -- just as silents were originally made. In his own words, the illustrator strove to "interpret the experience of watching a silent movie in a picture-book format" and did so by "creat[ing] smaller images to show a quick sequence of events; most larger images are for stiller, more emotionally packed moments". His success is apparent, even as the reader finds himself paging more quickly with growing suspense towards those final credits.
As the reader views the story, one cannot help but notice the striking woodcut black and white images. Text is minimal and gestures are dramatic -- just as silents were originally made. In his own words, the illustrator strove to "interpret the experience of watching a silent movie in a picture-book format" and did so by "creat[ing] smaller images to show a quick sequence of events; most larger images are for stiller, more emotionally packed moments". His success is apparent, even as the reader finds himself paging more quickly with growing suspense towards those final credits.
tami_provencher's review against another edition
3.0
Silent Movie is a picture book meant to be experienced like a silent movie. The story is set in 1909: a young family immigrates from Sweden to America, Papa going first, then sending for Mama and son, Gustave six months later. Mama and Gustave arrive but are unable to find Papa once they arrive in New York. They are accosted by a thief, who steals what little money they are able to collect by begging and aided by an old friend from their native Sweden. Out on the street a famous movie director, Bartholomew Bunting, is searching for a child actor for his next movie, sees Gustave and thinks he will be perfect! Meanwhile, an exhausted Papa, still looking for Mama and Gustave, takes a break in the local nickelodeon and sees his son on the screen!
For me, as a teacher of theater, Silent Movie works as a way to introduce the topic of silent movies to students and start them thinking specifically of how to tell a story completely visually--how a director might envision it and then how to implement that vision with actors, sets, etc.
The illustrations are all in black and white. The illustrator, C. B. Mordan, took great pains to have the illustrations be reflective of the experience of seeing a silent movie. The frames which show close ups are the most effective, character-wise and the larger, more populated images are very evocative of the lighting and moods in silent movies.
I don't think I would use Silent Movie as a picture book without using it as part of an introduction to either silent movies or visual art--the idea of communicating with visual images.
For me, as a teacher of theater, Silent Movie works as a way to introduce the topic of silent movies to students and start them thinking specifically of how to tell a story completely visually--how a director might envision it and then how to implement that vision with actors, sets, etc.
The illustrations are all in black and white. The illustrator, C. B. Mordan, took great pains to have the illustrations be reflective of the experience of seeing a silent movie. The frames which show close ups are the most effective, character-wise and the larger, more populated images are very evocative of the lighting and moods in silent movies.
I don't think I would use Silent Movie as a picture book without using it as part of an introduction to either silent movies or visual art--the idea of communicating with visual images.
thisfoxreads's review against another edition
3.0
Wonderful historical fiction (and realistic fiction) writer Avi tackles a picture book. The concept is great--the American immigrant experience at the time of silent movies shown in nickelodeons. Avi's story is shown as the written panels in a silent movie, while Mordan's illustrations mimic the black-and-white movie images.
Avi does better with chapter books--this was so short and choppy. It DID hit the melodramatic style of silent movies with its over-the-top, unrealistic story.
Mordan's illustrations were almost too dark and did not resemble photographic images enough.
Still, I love the attempt, and I think some kids would enjoy this one. I like authors willing to break out of their comfort zone!
Avi does better with chapter books--this was so short and choppy. It DID hit the melodramatic style of silent movies with its over-the-top, unrealistic story.
Mordan's illustrations were almost too dark and did not resemble photographic images enough.
Still, I love the attempt, and I think some kids would enjoy this one. I like authors willing to break out of their comfort zone!
theraykay's review against another edition
3.0
A visual story about a family immigrating to the U.S. Depicted much like a silent movie, the images are in black and white, with limited text, and the illustrator attempts to create movement through the size and number of pictures used.
drownedinlight's review against another edition
5.0
Avi and C.B. Mordan make the feeling of immigration and the wonder of silent movies come alive in this picture book that imitates the classic formats.
librarianryan's review
3.0
This was an interesting book, but no one I think kids will read again and again. It’s about Gustav, a young boy who is new to America. He and his mother can not find Papa, so mama takes a job. One day while trying to stay out of trouble, he catches not only a thief but the eye of a silent movie director. His first movie helps lead papa back to his family. The story is set up like a silent movie. Each part of of the story being set up frame by frame. A heartfelt story, but a one time read.
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