Synopses & Reviews
This fascinating, interactive autobiography presents Chuck Closeand#8217;s story, his art, and a discussion of the many processes he uses in the studio. The question-and-answer format is based on real kidsand#8217; inquiries about Closeand#8217;s life and work, and his answers to them. Close, who is wheelchair-bound and paints with a brush strapped to his arm, discusses the severe dyslexia and face blindness he has struggled with since childhood, as well as a collapsed spinal artery that left him nearly paralyzed at the age of 48.
An engaging feature of the book is a mix-and-match Chuck Close self-portrait section. This hands-on component encourages the reader to create new and interesting combinations of Closeand#8217;s techniques and images. The book also includes an illustrated chronology of Closeand#8217;s life, a list of museums where his work can be seen, and an index.
Praise for Chuck Close: Face Book
STARRED REVIEW
"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself."
and#150;Kirkus Reviews, starred review
STARRED REVIEW
"Close describes his work with candor and insight. The high quality printing and lush colors of the reproductions make it easy for readers to share that excitement. A nifty mix-and-match section lets readers compare the methods used in 14 of the artistand#8217;s self-portraits."
and#150;Publishers Weekly, starred review
STARRED REVIEW
and#147;Excellent-quality reproductions of his paintings appear throughout. A readable and engaging look at a fascinating artist and his methods of working.and#8221;
and#150;School Library Journal, starred review
"Chuck Closeand#8217;s art and life story are the ideal way to introduce art and artists to children."
and#150;Horn Book
"A winner. Chuck Close's honest, personal memoir about his life and work makes an ideal book for kids who find school challenging, who are creative or who see the world a bit differently from their peers. In other words, this one's for most everyone."
and#150;Shelf Awareness
Awards:
WINNER - 2012 Boston Globe Horn Book Nonfiction Award
New York Public Libraryand#8217;s Children's Books 2012: 100 Books for Reading and Sharing list
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2012 list: Children's Nonfiction
Capitol Choices 2013 - Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
Orbis Pictus Recommended Book 2013
Cooperative Childrenand#8217;s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - The Arts
2013 ALA/ALSC Notable Book
and#160;
Review
andquot;A studied account of the innovative and impulsive fashion legend thatand#39;s likely to inspire budding designers of any age.andquot;
Synopsis
Shocking pinkandmdash;hot pink, as it is called todayandmdash;was the signature color of Elsa Schiaparelli (1890andndash;1973) and perhaps her greatest contribution to the fashion world. Schiaparelli was one of the most innovative designers in the early 20th century. Many design elements that are taken for granted today she created and brought to the forefront of fashion. She is credited with many firsts: trompe landrsquo;oeil sweaters with collars and bows knitted in; wedge heels; shoulder bags; and even the concept of a runway show for presenting collections.
Hot Pinkandmdash;printed with a fifth color, hot pink!andmdash;explores Schiaparelliandrsquo;s childhood in Rome, her introduction to high fashion in Paris, and her swift rise to success collaborating with surrealist and cubist artists like Salvador Dalandiacute; and Jean Cocteau.
The book includes an authorandrsquo;s note, a list of museums and websites where you can find Schiaparelliandrsquo;s fashions, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.
Synopsis
No punches are pulled in this fascinating biography that covers the life and work of the prolific artist George Bellows. Having spent most of his adult life in New York City, Bellows left behind an extraordinary body of work that captures life in this dynamic city: bustling street scenes, ringside views of boxing matches, and boys diving and swimming in the East River. Art reproductions and photographs from his youth round out the book.
Praise for George Bellows
STARRED REVIEW
"Upbeat prose, photographs, and reproductions of George Bellowsand#8217;s paintings provide an insightful homage to the urban artist and athlete. Burleigh places readers right in the moment."
and#151;Publishers Weekly, starred review
and#147;The bookand#8217;s excellent reproductions of Bellowsand#8217; work will excite young readers and budding artists. A fine portrait of an artist not on everyoneand#8217;s radar but whose work can be readily understood and appreciated by youngsters.and#8221; and#151;Kirkus Reviews
"Veteran biographer Burleigh breathes a great deal of vitality into Bellowsand#8217; short but significant life and career. Accompanied by Bellowsand#8217; striking and powerful works, this is an artist bio that, like its subject, packs a punch."
and#151;Booklist
"Burleigh tells Bellowsand#8217;s story with immediacy and with a firm grasp of his audience, striking the right balance of broad stroke and detail. Burleighand#8217;s admiration of his subject comes through loud and strong and infectiously. And there are handsome reproductions of Bellowsand#8217;s work...This impressive book captures the connection between the man and the world he observed during his short life. A new generation of young urban observers will be grateful."
and#151;New York Times
"This is a beautifully illustrated biography of painter George Bellows. Bellows found his inspiration in the working class, including the gritty night life of the city... Burleigh adds to the interest of the story through direct quotes that are well-documented."
and#151;Library Media Connection
"Burleigh is an enthusiastic and adept tour guide through Bellowsand#8217;s New York milieu. Crisp reproductions coordinate closely with the text, so readers will easily connect..."
and#151;The Bulletin of the Center for Childrenand#8217;s Books
Award
Cooperative Childrenand#8217;s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - The Arts
2013 ALA/ALSC Notable Book
and#160;
About the Author
Susan Goldman Rubin has written acclaimed books for young readers, including LChaim, A Sydney Taylor honor-award book and a New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age, Searching for Anne Frank; Margaret Bourke-White, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; and Steven Spielberg, named one of the New York Public Librarys Best Books for the Teen Age. She lives with her husband in Malibu, California.