Born to Draw Comics: The Story of Charles Schulz and the Creation of Peanuts

Fittingly, pictures and text pull equal weight in this warm and perceptive portrait of Schulz's life. As a child in 1920s Minnesota, "Sparky" eagerly reads newspaper comics with his parents and draws likenesses of his favorite characters on paper scraps. Wadsworth reveals that Schulz displayed a quirky imagination early on; his incongruous drawing of a man shoveling snow alongside a palm tree elicits high praise from his kindergarten teacher. Intriguing anecdotes and visuals track the origins of the Peanuts comic strip (inspired by the cartoonist's own hound's "naughty adventures"), in which, purposely, "The girls were as big and strong as the boys." In polished, mixed-media full-page and panel art, Orback deftly integrates references to Schulz's work into scenes that convincingly evoke the era and the celebrated cartoonist's earnestness and devotion to his craft. Ages 5-9. (Nov.)

Gr 1-3--Most children have heard of Snoopy or seen his picture, but this picture book biography tells the story of his creator. Presented in a comic book style reminiscent of its subject's drawings, the colorful panels follow Charles "Sparky" Schulz from his birth to the syndication of Peanuts. This is the story of a boy who enjoyed life's simple pleasures and who grew into a man who captured those joys in his comics for all to share. Readers will learn where the idea of a boy and his beloved--and smart--dog originated. Wadsworth and Orback describe Schulz's lifelong love of drawing and the encouragement he received from his teachers, parents, and friends. This biography stresses that perseverance and practice were the keys to his success, with multiple submissions to publishers before he was finally offered a contract. The back matter includes a photo of Schulz at his drawing board, an author's note, a brief list of the Peanuts characters, and other helpful details. VERDICT A wonderful homage to Schulz and a perfect first biography for young readers.--Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

"A wonderful homage to Schulz and a perfect first biography for young readers."—School Library Journal

"Fittingly, pictures and text pull equal weight in this warm and perceptive portrait of Schulz's life . . . Orback deftly integrates references to Schulz's work into scenes that convincingly evoke the era and the celebrated cartoonist's earnestness and devotion to his craft."—Publishers Weekly

"After describing the loss of his mother and his service in WWII as a young man, the book focuses on his determination to become a syndicated cartoonist and his success . . .The paneled artwork gives context to Schulz's life. An author's note, a photo of Schulz, and more back matter add further details to this charming story."—Booklist

"Wadsworth thoughtfully spotlights biographical moments like this to emphasize Schulz's lifelong love of drawing and comics . . . Orback's art pays tribute to Schulz's love of comics, using thick-black-lined frames and sometimes incorporating panels to mimic a comic-strip layout. His clean-cut, realistic illustrations also inconspicuously include iconic Peanuts references."—Horn Book