Synopses & Reviews
How do writers get their ideas? What kind of materials do illustrators use? How do you tell the same story in a different way? These are just some of the questions Eileen Christelow addresses in her two successful books, now in a single volume. Two sets of fictional authors and illustrators, along with their jaunty pets, narrate the idea-to-product process and deal with complex issues such as rejection letters and writers block with a sense of humor. Ink-and-watercolor illustrations and a comic-inspired format inform and inspire. This volume includes fun activities to help set readers on their creative way.
Review
"Christelow's jaunty, informative books
What Do Authors Do?and#160;and
What Do Illustrators Do? are bound together in one useful volume."
and#8212;The Horn Book Magazine
Review
"Jaunty in tone, informative in content, and, with its comic-book-style presentation, accessible in format, this is a fitting companion to Christelow's What Do Authors Do? . By featuring two fictional artists-one male and one female-each inspired to retell and illustrate "Jack and the Beanstalk," Christelow not only explains the process of bookmaking but also defines abstract concepts (style, design) with as much clarity as more concrete technical terms (dummy, typeface). The choice of story for analysis is particularly fortuitous: it is familiar to the intended audience; it has the potential for depicting a wide range of emotions; and it can be adapted to alterations-such as changing the gender of the protagonist-while still retaining basic elements. Discussion of the many ways in which these elements can be portrayed affords insight into the whole process of bookmaking: working within the constraints of a picture-book format, avoiding the perils of page design (especially losing art in the gutter), and selecting the appropriate medium and technique for realizing an idea. The two artist characters (and their voluble pets) are appealing; their individual creative experiences are related humorously and informatively without being didactic. Here is one introduction to a specific profession that entertains as it instructs; it should not be restricted to the elementary-school-age children for whom it is intended." Horn Book
"As breezy and enlightening as its companion, What Do Authors Do? (1995), this volume takes readers behind the scenes to watch two (fictional) artists create picture-book editions of Jack and the Beanstalk. Between the first flash of inspiration and celebratory ice cream cones at the end, both illustrators sketch dummies; make decisions about character, perspective, point-of- view, and composition; experiment with different media; and entertain tactful suggestions from editors and designers. Meanwhile, each takes the story in a different direction, one sticking to tradition, the other switching to an all-female cast. Around and within the cartoon panels, pets and a child add explanatory comments to the captions. Although she only hints at the amazing diversity of today's illustrators, Christelow captures the effort that goes into the making of picture books while also answering many of the questions children ask on the subject." Kirkus Reviews
"In this companion to WHAT DO AUTHORS DO?, Christelow gives readers a great deal of insight into the creative process while entertaining them with a story (actually two) within the story that tells the story of how picture-book artists work. . . . Better than a magic bean, this title is sure to spark youngsters' curiosity and creativity, and when that happens-as everyone knows-the sky's the limit." School Library Journal, Starred
Review
"Librarians and teachers introducing the writing process will find this title very useful." School Library Journal, Starred
Review
"Christelow's purpose-to answer the general question posed in the title by including just about every topic raised when authors visit schools or libraries-is accomplished in a humorous, sprightly manner. . . . Young readers will . . . welcome the journey from idea to finished book." School Library Journal, Starred
Synopsis
Twoand#160;great graphic stories in one book! What Do Authors Do? shows the steps two authors take to create a popular book about their dog and cat.and#160;Continue the fun withand#160;What Do Illustrators Do? which shows the fun creative process artists use to illustrate the classic tale, "Jack and the Beanstalk."
Synopsis
Childrenand#8217;s books tell stories with words and often with pictures, too. In What Do Authors Do? Christelow shows how an idea blossoms into a final book in colorful watercolors and comic book-style frames. In What Do Illustrators Do?, two artists create their own versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, from rough sketch to finished artwork. Budding youngwriters and artists, rejoice! Both inspiring books are now bound as one and include creative writing and drawing exercises.
Synopsis
In this informative companion to the popular "What Do Authors Do?" author/illustrator Christelow turns her attention to the visual side of creating a picture book. Employing her relaxed style and trademark humor, she shows how an illustrator develops a book from rough sketches to finished artwork, following two artists as they illustrate different versions of "Jack and the Beanstalk." Christelow answers the questions often posed by children, such as, "What materials do you use?" and "Is it hard to be an illustrator?" and reveals that the uniqueness of each book depends on many creative choices . . . and a lot of painstaking work.
Synopsis
A sprightly text and colorful illustrations follow two creative people-and a talkative dog and cat-through the writing process step by step, from the inspiration for a story to the satisfaction of sharing the book with readers. Eileen Christelow based this instructive picture book on questions children asked during her classroom talks around the country. Simple enough for young children to understand, and with the entertainment value of fiction, "What Do Authors Do?" is children's nonfiction at its best.
About the Author
Eileen Christelow was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in a family of avid readers. It was in high school that she first made the leap from reader to writer, publishing her first stories in her high schools magazine. After studying art history and drawing in college, she discovered a love of photography and began building a career as a photographer. Her