Picture Book Biographies

I think if an author takes time to write a book about another author then it must be love and so much courage. I love many authors, but I think writing about another author - and write it well - that would be a great challenge! The authors and illustrators did an awesome job celebrating three of my favorite authors: E. B. White, Virginia Lee Burton, and Dr. Seuss.

If you're a fan, definitely check these out at your local library. As for read alouds - I would read some of their books first to your kids and then read the biographies. They'll have a great time picking out images and references to books you've read to them!

A BOY, A MOUSE, AND A SPIDER: The Story of E. B. White by Barbara Herkert takes you into each world of Elwyn White. From his beginnings in his bed on a farm, to a big city, and then back to his own farm in Maine with his family. We get to meet the beginnings of Stuart Little and Charlotte A. Cavatica. White wrote his whole life, but it wasn't till much later that the books we all know and love him for came about. 

Lesson learned? Keep on writing!

BIG MACHINES: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton by Sherri Duskey Rinker shares Burton's adult life with her community, family, and her inspiration. Her sons were a major part of my most favorite books. If I had to pick my most favorite picture book writer it would be Virginia Lee Burton. Her writing style and stories are classics and should be in every household. Herkert writes with so much admiration for Burton. It's like reading a beautiful letter from one friend to another. 

Rocco does a perfect job with his illustrations. You can see his and Burton's style on each page. Thank you so much for including Burton's lovely page borders.

Lesson learned? Family and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly.

THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull focuses on Geise's childhood. I can't say it was normal because his father worked at the zoo! How cool is that?! He also lived only 3 blocks from the public library. Another dream of mine. Krull tells us that Geisel always loved to doodle, read, and his mother "lulled him to sleep with stories and nonsense verse. I guess we know where he got his talent from...keep telling those stories, Mom! Krull also shares with us that Geisel's life, his writing life, wasn't easy. No one immediately recognized his genius, with the exception of his wife. With encouragement from her, those who did publish his works, and a fan letter from a 12-year-old Geisel knew he was going to write and "share his own love of reading, animals, and justice".

Lesson learned? Encourage others on their path.