The Magic of Children's Books

I've been meaning to get my hands on this book.  I hear it's a real gem.  One  question.  "What children's book changed the way you see the world?"  Okay, okay... maybe two questions because more importantly Anita Silvey asks "How?" 

Of course there isn't just one answer (is there ever?) but over a hundred by notable leaders and figures from different fields. Business, politics, arts, medicine, journalism, sports. The works.  

William DeVries, who helped develop the world's first artificial heart chose Wizard of Oz thinking about the lines of Tin Woodman many, many times over his lifetime. "For my part, I will bear all the unhappiness without a murmur, if you will give me a heart." 

Nona, I know Chicha loves Ezra Jack Keats'  Snowy Day.  Looks like she's not alone. Author Sherman Alexie chose this one for the very reason that "it was pretty much the only protagonist with dark skin..It was the first time I looked at a book and saw a brown, black, beige character - a character who resembled me physically and spiritually, in all his gorgeous loneliness and splendid isolation"  leading him to believe  "People might want to listen to me too." 

Kinda makes you think what yours is, doesn't it?

the very fascinating artist

If you've got a little one around, chances are there is at least one or two or three Eric Carle books on your bookshelf.  An even greater chance you have been asked to read them over and over...and over again. Who doesn't love Eric Carle?  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Draw me A Star,  Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me.   Oh and of course the very very cool ones like... The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, The Very Quiet Cricket. The boys and I are fans.

I had a hunch there was a story behind his stories.  And what a story it is!  A life-changing move as a child living in  New York back to his parents' hometown in Germany. A father held captive in a Russian prison. Living in fear and surviving  strict discipline in his new German school.  And the ultimate result:  his vow, as an artist,  to help children enjoy school more than he ever did.  I now have a clearer, better understanding of Eric Carle.  I love his books even more. If that is even possible.

On his move back to Berlin: "When it became apparent that we would not return, I decided that I would become a bridge builder. I would build a bridge from Germany to America and take my beloved German grandmother by the hand across the wide ocean." 

How the difficult days in a rigid school inspired his  books:  "I am fascinated by the period in a child's life when he or she, for the first time, leaves home to go to school. I should like my books to bridge that great divide."

On how long walks, filled with stories and discovery,  helped jump-start his love affair with nature:  "My father would turn over a rock and show me the little creatures that scurried and slithered about. I try to recall that feeling when I write my books."

Emma Brockes'  article This one's got legs,  over at the Guardian,  does a great job  of helping us see what's behind the man and his pages.  You can read it right here . 

On my little trip down nosey-lane, I also discovered Eric Carle has his own blog . How cool is that.  A perfect little corner that answers some of my own whys and hows. A look into his current passions, including the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art . An opportunity to give us a glimpse of what a day in his life is like.  And a rare treat to fill us in on where he finds inspiration.  

A sort of VIP-pass into the mind and heart of one of our most beloved storytellers.  Doesn't get better than this.