Louise Borden
What a treat-to go to a Children's Book Guild meeting and get a "twofer"-our main speaker that day was Brian Floca and in the audience was Louise Borden. I had an opportunity to meet with her and conduct a short interview. Her books are quite varied and I am happy to say that I have enjoyed reading all of them. Louise told me that she studied European history in college and that may be what has spurred her interest in World War II and other historical events. Her background also includes teaching and owning a book store-she now considers herself a missionary for reading and I believe her. She has visited more than 600 schools across the country in the last twenty years.
Many of her nonfiction books are biographical such as Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman and Sea Clocks: The Story of Longitude. They appear to be picture books but really are written for older readers. Now with three grandchildren, Louise said that her newest books will be for the very young, but that she is still very much involved in writing about the world wars. As a kid Louise loved maps and books about other countries-hence the foreign settings for many of her stories. However, she does have a new book about baseball, that she attributes that to her hometown influence (Cincinnati, Ohio) and her attendance and graduation from Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
Early on, Louise was a voracious reader; she loved books as a child and loved art in elementary school. She even studied art in college as well as creative writing. When she began writing children's books she was drawn to the layout and potential design of picture books. Her first book developed in the 1980's was something that she had worked on for a class and never envisioned that it would become a published book. As she put it-"her life unfolded a book at a time." Even though she is an avid reader, Louise doesn't read much in the way of young adult books; she prefers adult material, nonfiction and picture books. She has a great interest in the lives of other authors and illustrators and reads extensively and collects books for her personal library.
The recurring themes that one finds in her books are those involving interpersonal relationships, family, friendship, courage, adventure, curiosity and persistence. Setting is very important for her and she realizes that it is difficult for children to deal with "ancient history" such as the American Revolution. The secret of her success is writing books from a child's point of view, such as her book about the Sleds on Boston Common where the children meet the British commander but they are involved in an activity that children can easily relate to. Across the Blue Pacific is told in the voice of a fourth grader. Good Luck Mrs. K was certainly one that I found extremely touching and the feeling that the kids have about their teacher certainly came through to me. Cancer is a difficult subject to write about, but most kids know of someone who has been affected by the disease. Several years ago, I also interviewed Adam Gustavson who was the illustrator for this book as well as the A+ Custodian. The latter celebrates someone who could easily be taken for granted at a school, but the kids find a way to let him know how much he is appreciated. Louise and Adam have collaborated on several other books including The Lost and Found Tooth, The John Hancock Club, The Day Eddie Met the Authorand the Last Day of School. Louise has had her work illustrated by other well known artists including Karma Wilson and Ted Lewin.
Louise's newest book was actually written three years ago and she has been waiting on the artist to complete the illustrations. His name is Erik Blegvad and he is the same illustrator who did Sea Clocks. His real life experience of living through the war in Denmark made him an appropriate choice. His body of work includes illustrations for more than one hundred children's books.
She wrote The Journey that Saved Curious George without a contract. No one had written on the topic and she worked on her version and also had to translate the diaries of the Reys. She used this and other information to map out the actual journey that the Reys undertook in their daring escape from Europe during World War II. The book has won numerous awards since its publication.
Some of her work is historical fiction such as The Greatest Skating Race. The Little Ships was more factually based. It was a perilous time during WWII and crossing in those wooden boats on those rough waters was in itself a challenge. She was able to take an actual trip across the English Channel in one of the boats used in the Dunkirk rescue. There was the fear of capture and yet the thrill of being able to help those danger escape to freedom. She had spent time on the water in Michigan so she knew what that experience could be, but the added element of suspense and courage were what she wanted children to take away from the story.
On a personal note, Louise indicated that her husband's job change was the reason for her pending relocation to the Washington area. It will certainly be a treat to talk to her again and learn more about the new books that she has in the works. For more information about Louise visit her site www.louiseborden.com and also read the interview at www.WriterMag.com
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Image Source: http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/images/stories/2009/March/louise%20borden.jpg
Reviews
The A+ Custodian
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Mr. Carillo is the custodian at Dublin elementary school. He fixes pipes, cleans the floors, changes light bulbs, makes coffee for the teachers, and performs a myriad of other tasks. Two children, Grace and Zach, come to school early, every day, because their mother is a teacher at the school. So they begin to follow Mr. Carillo around watching his every move. After asking if they can help, they become Mr. Carrillo's assistants and help with various chores. Mr. Carillo dubs them his "Early Bird Helpers," which makes them feel special. The students and faculty feel that he is a top-notch custodian and they want to show their appreciation to him for keeping their school in tip-top shape. After a meeting, which they keep secret, they make a plan. At the beginning of the school week, Mr. Carillo arrives as usual but the children and staff surprise him with a flood of unique thank-you notes posted around the building--on the doors, on his bucket, on the banister of the stairway and in the boiler room. Through this story children can learn to appreciate and respect all of the people who make their education a wonderful experience. 2004, Margaret K. Mc Elderry Books/Simon and Schuster, $15.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
ISBN: 9780689849954
ISBN: 0689849958
Across the Blue Pacific: A World War II Story
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
The author's uncle served on a submarine during World War II, and his ship hit a mine while on patrol in the Japanese waters off northeast Honshu. Although the author never knew her uncle, she has written an excellent story focusing upon the observations of a young girl living in that era. Molly lives next door to Ted Walker and, although she and her brother, Sam, know about the war, it seems like something quite remote from their everyday lives. Their street, Orchard Road, is a safe and happy place to grow up. When Ted is home on leave, he is patient and helpful to the young children in the neighborhood. When he returns to duty, Molly writes him letters. She always includes sketches of Buttons, the Walker's dog, in the corner on each envelope. When Molly enters fourth grade, she thinks of Ted Walker every time she looks at the large map her teacher has painted on the wall. She imagines what his experiences must be like in the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean. Then Mrs. Walker receives the tragic news--Ted's ship is missing. When the war is over Molly says, "This is the best news in a long time…except Ted won't be coming back." And even years later, when she is grown, Molly remembers her next-door neighbor, Ted. The text brings home the tragedy of war but does show how people recover while always keeping the memory of the heroes alive in their hearts. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, $17.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, Apr. 1, 2006; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2007; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
ISBN: 9780618339228
ISBN: 0618339221
The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Niki Daly
A fictionalized story set in World War II is well served in Louise Borden's first-person narrative combined with Niki Daly's subdued and wintry palette of the Dutch landscape. A young skater named Piet has always admired the first man to skate the route now immortalized in the "Eleven Towns Race" that takes place in the Netherlands. He suddenly has a chance to use his skating skills to accompany two children whose father has been taken by the Germans. Their mother is sending them to relatives for safety and has asked him to skate the canals with them from Sluis (rhymes with voice) across the Belgian border to relatives. The dramatic story shows Piet's courage, his ability to avoid detection, and the ways the children keep up their spirits on the long skate (the record for the 200 kilometer race is slightly under thirteen hours). Although there is no suggestion that Piet's accomplishment is based on a real event, it reads like one complete with an "After the War" section and readers would have been well-served by a note saying exactly what is real and what is made up. There are, however, informative short historical notes, both on the race itself, and on skates and skate making, which end the story. Daly uses reddened browns and grays and the vast panorama of the flattened landscape and canal routes to create a fine sense of place. This book belongs alongside other picture book treatments of World War II incidents, such as Candace Fleming's Boxes for Katie, which is also set in the Netherlands, as an introduction to the period for upper elementary and middle school studies. It is also an excellent companion to novels personal courage in World War II, such as Lois Lowry's Number the Stars. 2004, McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster, $18.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2004; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Ohioana Book Awards, 2005 Winner Juvenile Literature Ohio
Parents' Choice Award, 2004 Silver Picture Books United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2005 Honor Book Social
Studies - Grades K-6 United States
Storytelling World Awards, 2006 Honor Stories for Adolescent Listeners United States
ISBN: 9780689845024
ISBN: 0689845022
The John Hancock Club
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Written by a veteran author of historical books for children, this story is about a third grader named Sean and his imaginative teacher, Mrs. Tovani. Sean, not the most enthusiastic student, is dreading the fact that his class will begin learning to write in cursive soon. When the time comes, Mrs. Tovani invites the class to work hard on their cursive so that they can all join the John Hancock Club. Instead of making the task an individual struggle, wise Mrs. Tovani invites the class to talk through as well as practice writing. Sean is inspired by hearing his classmates talk about their struggles with cursive writing and their desire to join the club. Later, Mrs. Tovani shares with the class the story of John Hancock and his famous signature, and each student signs a poster on the lunch room wall before eating a celebratory cake. This inspiring story is accompanied by watercolor illustrations depicting familiar classroom scenes. 2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster, $16.99. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2008; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choices, 2008; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
ISBN: 9781416918134
ISBN: 1416918132
The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Allan Drummond
Sometimes truth is stranger and more magnificent than fiction as is evidenced by this amazing account of the lives of the creators of Curious George. The story of Hans Reyersbach (later shortened to Rey) and Margarete Waldstein (later changed to Margret) begins with their childhoods in Hamburg, Germany. Both were artistic and both were Jewish. Hamburg was economically depressed following World War I, so Hans emigrated to Brazil. Some years later Margret also traveled to that country where they made connections, were married, and became Brazilian citizens. Their honeymoon trip to Europe became an extended stay of almost five years as they settled into Terrass Hotel in Paris. Together they began to create books for children. When Hitler began to invade Europe they felt confident that the war would stay far from France, but they were wrong. In May of 1940, they realized that they must leave the country quickly. By then, Paris was filled with homeless refugees traveling south by whatever means available. The trains were not running, but Hans managed to get pieces for two bicycles, put them together, and plan their escape. Taking only a few pieces of clothing and their treasured manuscripts, the Reys cycled for three days to Orleans and managed to get onto a train to Bayonne. From there they cycled to Biarritz where they spent several days before boarding a train to Lisbon and the ship that would take them to Rio de Janeiro. After a two-month delay, they continued on to New York City and later became U.S. citizens. The excitement and intrigue of this adventure is depicted in Drummund's full-color illustrations. The text is also supplemented with photographs and copies of important papers, such as passports, pages from original manuscripts, and carefully-detailed diary entries from Hans' pocket calendar. The book closes with "After the Escape" which summarizes the lives and publications of these two courageous people. A partial bibliography of their books is also included. A good choice for any library that has copies of Curious George and other books by the Reys. 2005, Hougton Mifflin, $17.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005; New York Public Library; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2006; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2006; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2006; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 15, 2005; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Sydney Taylor Book Awards, 2006 Honor Book Younger Readers United States
ISBN: 9780618339242
ISBN: 0618339248
The Lost and Found Tooth
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Losing baby teeth is of utmost importance to second graders, so Mr. Reilly's class is delighted to discover his Tooth Calendar for recording these momentous events. Lucy does not feel like she can join in the fun, however. She is the only one in her class who has not lost a single tooth. Her spirits sink as her classmates record their experiences, "Charlie--August 30th, 10:30 a.m. Going to Gym." And so it continues through the next six months. Finally, Lucy feels a tooth wiggling a bit. When it does comes out, she is on the playground and the tooth is lost as it drops from her mitten. Mr. Reilly and all of the students help her search for it. When it is found, Lucy proudly writes her entry on the calendar, "Lucy--February 27, 12:25 p.m. Lost and Found at Recess." An attractive beginning reading book featuring full-color illustrations of a multicultural classroom with a caring male teacher. 2008, Margaret K. McEldberry Books/Simon and Schuster, $16.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781416918141
ISBN: 1416918140
Sea Clocks: The Story of Longitude
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Erik Blegvad
Imagine taking a trip back to the time when clocks were handmade and watches not yet invented. This was the late 1600's. England had one of the finest sailing fleets as well as some of the greatest minds of the time. But even with those advantages sailors had a problem. Ships sailed all over the world without really knowing where they were. They knew where they were latitude-wise--north and south--but they did not know their longitude--east and west. Ships solved this problem be sailing the same routes, but they could get lost easily. Plus, they had the problem that pirates also sailed the well-known routes. Parliament offered 20,000 pounds to whoever could solve the problem. Along came John Harrison, clockmaker. Could he build a clock sturdy enough to withstand a sea voyage, but accurate enough to keep perfect time? Was a clock the right tool to solve the longitude puzzle? Borden chronicles an extraordinary life that focused on the building of five sea clocks, from a large clock--first attempt--to the fourth and fifth: five-inch diameter sea watches so beautiful and fine that they still exist and work today. But it took the intervention of King George himself for Harrison to get the prize. This is a beautifully written book. Borden takes great care to make the complicated longitude problem understandable to even the unscientific reader. Blegvad's illustrations are magical and should be savored. Harrison's story has the "I didn't know that!" sense of discovery and adventure that should keep young readers fascinated. This book would be a welcomed addition to the public, school, classroom or home library for young readers who enjoy remarkable true stories and extraordinary illustrations. 2004, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $18.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, January 2004; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2004 Honor Book Science-Grades K-6 United States
ISBN: 9780689842160
ISBN: 0689842163
Touching the Sky: The Flying Adventures of Wilbur and Orville Wright
Louise Borden and Trish Marx
Illustrated by Peter Fiore
Don't mistake this book for a biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright. It's not--although the brief introduction and the epilogue do cover the major events of the Wright brothers' lives. Instead this two-part book describes, in great detail, events that take place in September of 1909. The first half of the book, called Wilbur and the Red Canoe recounts Wilbur's flight over Manhattan during New York's celebration of its 300 years of history. People stood everywhere to witness this flight--a million cheering and waving people who marveled at what they saw. Wilbur marveled too at his birds eye view of the city below. The second half of the book--Higher, Orville, Higher--takes place in Europe where Orville soars high above the German capitol of Berlin. Two hundred thousand men, women and children have come to see this flight. "Amazing! it was simply amazing!" During his days in Germany, Orville set many records. He made the first night flight. He flew the longest flight ever with a passenger. He flew the highest ever, reaching almost sixteen hundred feet and breaking the record he had set just days before. A unique portrait of two American heroes whose high flying adventures are illustrated with detailed watercolors of the people and places of the time. At the end of the book, readers will find aviation time line and maps of Manhattan (and its monuments) and of Europe. A perfect choice for any young readers fascinated with flight. 2003, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster, $18.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2004 Honor Book Social Studies-Grades K-6 United States
ISBN: 9780689848766
ISBN: 0689848765
Added 04/22/2010
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