Synopses & Reviews
As a boy, Edward Hopper knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up: on the cover of his pencil box, he wrote the words EDWARD HOPPER, WOULD-BE ARTIST. He traveled to New York and to Paris to hone his craft. And even though no one wanted to buy his paintings for a long time, he never stopped believing in his dream to be an artist. He was fascinated with painting light and shadow and his works explore this challenge.
Edward Hoppers story is one of courage, resilience, and determination. In this striking picture book biography, Robert Burleigh and Wendell Minor invite young readers into the world of a truly special American painter (most celebrated for his paintings “Nighthawks” and “Gas”).
Review
"In many scenes, readers peer over Hoppers shoulder as he works, seeing what he sees. The accessible narrative then invites the audience to think more critically about the context in which Hopper created." -
Publishers Weekly
Praise for If You Spent a Day with Thoreau at Walden Pond:
A Boston Globe Best Childrens Book of 2012
“Minors sweet, verdant watercolors shine.” —The Boston Globe
“Offers a glimpse of Thoreaus philosophy that young children can understand.” —School Library Journal
“A fine introduction to the value of Thoreau and the natural world.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Abraham Lincoln Comes Home:
An ALA Notable Book
“Poignantly imagines a father and son paying their respects on the prairie.” —USA Today
“Moving prose and dramatic night scenes show them as part of a grieving yet grateful nation, paying homage to a fallen hero.” —San Francisco Chronicle
“This quiet, lovely book sensitively communicates a sense of the magnitude of loss felt by so many.” —Kirkus Reviews
Review
*"Two masters of illustrated, brief biographies for young people reunite . . . an enduring and inspiring book that will help kids to understand the why and how of an artist at work." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
STARRED
Review
"In a narrative as calmly straightforward as Hopper's work, Burleigh introduces the great American realist." - The Horn Book
"Hopper was one of the foremost American painters of the 20th century, and this wonderfully illustrated book provides a detailed biographical portrait of him. Minor's art, lush and perfectly varied with pencil sketches interspersed between colorful paintings, is accompanied by Burleigh's compelling text." - School Library Journal
"Full-page paintings reminiscent of Hopper originals accompany the straightforward text of this picture book biography from the team behind Night Flight . . . A lovely, quiet introduction to a luminary among American painters." - Booklist
*"Two masters of illustrated, brief biographies for young people reunite . . . an enduring and inspiring book that will help kids to understand the why and how of an artist at work." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
STARRED
About the Author
Robert Burleigh has written many acclaimed childrens picture books, including several illustrated by Wendell Minor, including Abraham Lincoln Comes Home and If You Spent a Day with Thoreau at Walden Pond. Bob splits his time between Grand Haven, Michigan, and Chicago.
Wendell Minor is the illustrator of many award-winning picture books for children, including the New York Times-bestselling Reaching for the Moon. He lives in Washington, Connecticut.