Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids (Before They Were)

Illustrated capsule biographies of Wanda Gág, Tove Jansson, Hayao Miyazaki, Yuyi Morales, Jerry Pinkney, and Maurice Sendak offer overlapping, illuminating answers to Haidle's framing question: "What makes an illustrator?" A love of creating, curiosity, attentiveness, and persistence recur as themes. In standalone chapters dedicated to each artist, each beginning with biographical timelines, Haidle works in direct quotes and telling details, tracing her subjects' youthful experiences (from young Sendak biting a book to Jansson drawing the prototype of Moomintroll on an outhouse wall) and their varied adult triumphs. Haidle's watercolor, ink, and digital illustrations use an abundance of stylized details and a trendy muted palette to adroitly capture relatable, interesting moments that complement the informative text, such as Pinkney trying out expressions in a mirror or Morales wide-eyed with fear at her childhood imaginings. An engaging and informative look at artists who have shaped millions of children's visual worlds. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Gr 5-8--Haidle follows up Before They Were Authors with this volume that highlights the childhoods, career highlights, and personal lives of illustrators who played a role in the world of children's art. As a teen, Wanda Gág supported her family with her art after her father's passing and, with Millions of Cats, created the double-page spread. Where the Wild Things Are author Maurice Sendak endured frequent illness as a child and experienced the loss of those close to him as an adult. "Moomin" series creator Tove Jansson started her own art collective after being frustrated by the attitudes toward women in the art world. Jerry Pinkney struggled with dyslexia as a child; as an adult, he created fables and stories of social justice and brought his family into the picture book fold. Caldecott Honor illustrator Yuyi Morales drew inspiration from her experiences as an immigrant. The devastation of World War II and the knowledge that his family, who owned an airplane manufacturing company, had benefited from warfare influenced animator and Studio Ghibli cofounder Hayao Miyazaki, who was spurred to create work that drives young audiences to become more aware of the world around them. Haidle's minimalist watercolor illustrations deftly blend elements from each artist in their section, and the work effectively conveys the essence of each subject. VERDICT A testament to the "ineffable joy of creation," as expressed by Wanda Gág, this is a strong addition to shelves and will inspire budding artists.--Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave P.L., TX