This story combines many diverse elements like biography, poetry and magical realism as it slowly unfolds the life of an extremely uncommon boy. This curious child walks to the beat of a different drummer most assuredly. Paramount in his life however, is the menacing almost presence of his father. This wall of obstinacy counteracts all the creative aspects of this child’s life. The child acts and reacts as an almost terror stricken human. There are times and places though when his creative spirit takes control and our young child thrives and matures.
On a more serious note another picture book by a friend introduces Michelle Obama. The book MICHELLE by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by AG Ford ( Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, 2009, $17.99 ) comes soon on the heels of many television reports talking about the heritage of this remarkable First Lady. The book opens with scenes from the inauguration of her husband as the first black man elected to the presidency. The text then shifts to following the life of Michelle.
I feel it is never too young to introduce young readers to Biography. No, one does not want to burden them with all of the details of a person’s life. But rather select one special event or characteristic upon which to build a story introducing the person.
I like to classify these picturebooks or storybooks as “Near-Biography”. A recent publication, LOUISA THE LIFE OF LOUISA MAY ALCOTT by Yena Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen (Henry Holt, 2009, $17.00) brings the childhood and early writing career of this remarkable writer to a young audience today.