Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

K-Gr 3--This artist monograph benefits from the intimate familiarity of the creators with the subject: it is written by Keith Haring's sister and illustrated by one of his colleagues from the 1980s New York City art scene. The author emphasizes Haring's early appreciation of art and his later generosity with it. The illustrations incorporate sketches made by a young Haring, and the text explores how he would go on to give many of his paintings away or create them in public places. The title offers an enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art. The visuals, created with a Mac computer and pencil, are inspired by the illustrator's personal photos and memories of the time period. Haring's later works, from his adult years, are included; an addendum features reproductions as well as family photos. Children will relate to young Haring's drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers. VERDICT This book will help fill contemporary art history gaps within library collections for children.--Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This exuberant biography of the late artist Keith Haring, written by his sister, introduces him as a bespectacled boy who doodled on his tests, much to the chagrin of his teachers. Haring's feverish commitment to drawing continued into adulthood, when the unconventional surfaces he drew on ("on walls, on sidewalks, and on paper that he hung on lampposts") and his disinterest in making money from his art raised eyebrows. Neubecker (I Won a What?) combines images of Haring's work (all identified in a closing spread) with his own punchy cartooning, which dovetails perfectly with the effervescent energy that characterized Haring's imagery. A moving author's note and additional biographical information close out this sensitive tribute. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Adriana Dominguez, Full Circle Literary. Illustrator's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Feb.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

* "This laudatory biography, written by Haring'ssister, is guided by his unapologetic rejection of artistic pretension and illustratedin—what else?—a friendly and accessible cartoony style that fluidly integratesHaring's own work on subway cars and buildings, as well as in galleries." — Horn Book, starred review

"Neubecker's colorful illustrations capture the energy with which Keith [Haring] lived his life, and cleverly integrate some of the artist's original works... Always upbeat, this story is a celebration of art and life." — Booklist

"Neubecker neatly incorporates Haring's real pieces into these zesty, bustling, digital-and-pencil illustrations.... Haring's work pops; Neubecker's compositions and enthusiastic crowd scenes do it wonderful credit." — Kirkus

"An enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art....Children will relate to young Haring's drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers." —School Library Journal

"Cheerily energetic....Schools with "Picture Person" programs, as well as primary grades art teachers, will want to share this appealing title." —BCCB

"Exuberant...Neubecker (I Won a What?) combines images of Haring's work (all identified in a closing spread) with his own punchy cartooning, which dovetails perfectly with the effervescent energy that characterized Haring's imagery." —Publishers Weekly