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A review by mrskatiefitz
Caldecott and Co.: Notes on Books and Pictures by Maurice Sendak
5.0
I found this collection of Sendak's essays on the shelves at one of the libraries I visit regularly. It was so well hidden it wasn't even in the catalog anymore, so I definitely felt like I had uncovered a hidden treasure.
Included in this book are Sendak's Caldecott acceptance speech, his reflections on the work of various authors and illustrators, his thoughts on Walt Disney, and thoughts on his own illustrations and the art of making books. I have always thought Sendak was an interesting man, and this book only deepens my appreciation for his intellect and his devotion to his work. This book was published in 1988, but it's amazing how much of what he says about the degradation of the picture book is related to discussions we have in 2013 about e-books and generally, about the difference between what kids like and respond to and what is supposedly "good" for them.
I didn't know many of the works, authors, or illustrators Sendak references, but it didn't matter. The true appeal of this book for me was to have all these insights into the way Sendak viewed literature, and instead of seeing him as an angry old guy, I now see him as someone who understood the value of the past and who lamented its loss, not for selfish reasons, but because he felt bad for future generations who wouldn't have the same exposure to the same wonderful material that shaped his life. I also loved learning more about the inspirations for Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Really Rosie. )I am amazed that Rosie was a real child that he observed and sketched. I found her so intimidating as a kid, I can't imagine her as a real person!)
This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to seriously evaluate and understand picture books, and of course, for those mourning Sendak and wishing to know more about his life and legacy. Also recommended: [b:Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom|40145|Dear Genius The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom|Ursula Nordstrom|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345149781s/40145.jpg|39831].
Included in this book are Sendak's Caldecott acceptance speech, his reflections on the work of various authors and illustrators, his thoughts on Walt Disney, and thoughts on his own illustrations and the art of making books. I have always thought Sendak was an interesting man, and this book only deepens my appreciation for his intellect and his devotion to his work. This book was published in 1988, but it's amazing how much of what he says about the degradation of the picture book is related to discussions we have in 2013 about e-books and generally, about the difference between what kids like and respond to and what is supposedly "good" for them.
I didn't know many of the works, authors, or illustrators Sendak references, but it didn't matter. The true appeal of this book for me was to have all these insights into the way Sendak viewed literature, and instead of seeing him as an angry old guy, I now see him as someone who understood the value of the past and who lamented its loss, not for selfish reasons, but because he felt bad for future generations who wouldn't have the same exposure to the same wonderful material that shaped his life. I also loved learning more about the inspirations for Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Really Rosie. )I am amazed that Rosie was a real child that he observed and sketched. I found her so intimidating as a kid, I can't imagine her as a real person!)
This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to seriously evaluate and understand picture books, and of course, for those mourning Sendak and wishing to know more about his life and legacy. Also recommended: [b:Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom|40145|Dear Genius The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom|Ursula Nordstrom|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345149781s/40145.jpg|39831].