R.W. Alley
Bob's children's book career started in 1981 with a story entitled Ghost in Dobbs Diner which was published by Parents Magazine Press. It was a color hardback, and Bob delights in taking it with him for school talks. If you read his on-line biography, you will see that he moved around quite a bit, and I have noticed that kids who attend several different schools tend to be extroverted--they need to be in order to make new friends. He also attended Haverford College--a Quaker school outside of Philadelphia. His field of study was art history, but he also took courses in studio art. He never ended up in the art history field, but instead did freelance work for about two years.
There were a few books produced during this time, but then he got a job at Hallmark because he wanted to get married and he needed a steady income. It was the beginning of the Shoebox card series. He told me that these artists were kept away from the "regular artists." It was interesting; they had roll top desks and Mickey Mouse phones--a real change from the atmosphere that the other artists worked in. He stayed two years and remarked that people either stayed a couple of years for the experience or made it their lifetime career. Several illustrators that I have interviewed have worked at Hallmark, so it must provide an excellent training ground.
Bob moved back to the East coast and he now lives in Rhode Island. One of the other changes was engaging an agent. To earn a living in illustration, Bob does both mass market and trade books and does illustrations for magazines such as Ladybug. In the meantime, his wife earned her Masters in Education. What is interesting is that they are currently collaborating on their first book.
Bob's studio is in his home and his wife and kids are in and out. Bob even handles the business side of his career himself. He limits himself as far as school visits and conferences, because it does take time away from illustrating, but he loves to go places like the Children's Literature Festival at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg where he enjoys the company of other writers and the kids who attend.
He also told me a story about the day a tour group organized by The Mazza Collection of Children's Book Illustrations in Findley, Ohio arrived to pay a visit. There were about 65 of them, and having just been in his studio, I can't imagine how he handled that big crowd. But his wife and he said it was great fun. Bob has given the gallery some of his work and has also visited and lectured there.
With more than 100 books to his credit and twenty -five years of experience, you would think that the work would get easier. However, he remarked that he often gets behind because some books are easy to illustrate and others--"well you think you know what you want to do but it doesn't always quite work out." His approach is to prepare sketches from the story and figure out the characters--human or otherwise. Pearl and Wagner for example are furry because the author had a cat and dog in mind, but others wanted them to be human. Bob decided to make them mice and the author was quite happy. Then he started to draw the characters and they were all mice. The problem was that he could not get enough differentiation to suit him. The text was funny and he wasn't complementing it enough. He then changed to a mouse, rabbit, frogs etc. The deadline was approaching and he finally sent in his revised work. Bob stated that there was a deafening silence, but it turned out OK. Everyone was happy and other books are in the queue.
Bob is of course closely associated with the Paddington books and is working on a 50th anniversary edition (he also did the 40th). Michael Bond, the author, is very happy doing a repeat. Things have changed--Bob uses new techniques and has different knowledge about the illustration process and he wanted to try focusing more on the character of Paddington. The goal is to have the book ready by Christmas 2007. Over the years he developed a personal as well as working relationship with Michael who even sends him photos of real places in London. Bob has visited a few times which also helps with his illustrations. Illustrators rarely get and opportunity to redo a book and he noted that it isn't easy and probably is not something he would do again. As noted earlier some books come easier than others and among those that came to him easily were Tiger Can't Sleep and Ballerino Nate.
His medium is pen and ink with watercolor and colored pencils, gouache and acrylics--Bob likes to experiment with different styles and materials. He creates small sketches and enlarges them, and makes modifications. He works on getting a tight composition and he works to size or smaller. He knows that when the illustrations are reduced they can loose energy and become a bit muddy. Unlike some artists, Bob said that he is able to work on multiple projects and sometimes a project needs to be set aside to meet a special deadline. He loves his work and knows what he wants his illustrations to look like. He told me that the days just fly by. He really works hard to create pictures that he thinks will take the story just a little further and to give kids even more of an experience. He has confidence that what he presents has value and is worth presenting to his intended audience--young readers.
For more information about Bob Alley visit his web site www.rwalley.com.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Ballerino Nate
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
Three cheers for this challenge to stereotypes! When Nate's class goes to the ballet he is enchanted, despite his brother's sneers. All summer he dances and learns what he can about ballet. "Boys can't be ballerinas," says his brother. He even warns Nate that he'll have to wear pink shoes and dresses. Despite his dad's reassurance, Nate is still apprehensive when he begins ballet classes. He loves the teacher and the classes, but the other students are, in fact, girls. When he attends a real ballet, however, he sees that half the dancers are men. Then he meets one of the dancers, who agrees that a man can't be a ballerina, because that means "woman dancer." Instead, he tells Nate that he is a dancer hoping some day to be a top ballerino. Nate is satisfied with his role at last. Alley's pen-and-ink, watercolor, and "a few colored pencil(s)" illustrations depict Nate's story honestly but always positively. Perhaps his cast of anthropomorphic canines makes the notion of a male dancer easier to absorb, but we can quickly translate the actors into humans because all the actions and settings are so human. Details add to the realism; the humor tempers the serious message. Even the endpapers show Nate in the five classic ballet positions alongside comparable sports actions. 2006, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8037-2954-5
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2954-4
Because Your Daddy Loves You
Andrew Clements
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
A loving dad does all the right things to make a young girl feel secure and cared for. He does not just tell you to go back to sleep when you have a bad dream; he sits beside you until you fall asleep. On a trip to the beach, every time something goes wrong he does not scold or blame. He finds your lost shoe; he brings back your carelessly tossed ball; he wipes up the mess from your melting ice cream cone. Back home, he patiently goes through the whole bed-time routine, ending with the vital "I love you." In this tribute to an ideal dad, no mother appears, making this particularly reassuring to children of single-parent dads, if they can be even half this caring. Alley's ink, watercolor, and acrylic pictures are especially effective in supplying contextual details while always keeping the focus on the two major characters. The gestures and facial expressions tell a positive story of cheerful mutual affection. There is a deceptive simplicity to the artist's drawings in vignettes and full-page scenes that can make the brief text at times seem even redundant. 2005, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, $16.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-618-00361-4
ISBN: 978-0-618-00361-7
Best Kind of Baby
Kate Laing
Pictures by R.W. Alley
Sophie's parents proudly announce that they are going to have a baby and ask, "Aren't you happy to be getting a little bother or sister?" The young lady is totally nonplused and just asks if they can have pizza for dinner. Her obliging parents take Sophie and her friend Phoebe out for pizza. When Phoebe inquires as to the amount of food Sophie's mother is eating; Sophie explains that "She needs lots of cheese because she's going to have a little baby mouse...." Her mother laughs and reminds Sophie that she is going to have a human child. This game of denial continues with Sophie telling each of her inquiring friends that her mother is going to have a puppy, baby monkey, or baby dolphin. Finally the big day arrives and Dad picks Sophie up from daycare and takes her to the hospital. She sees lots of babies, but no mice, dogs, monkeys or dolphins. The next sequence is really amusing as the new baby exhibits all of the characteristics of the animals Sophie had wished for. In the end, she decides that the baby might be a little better than the other creatures. There is plenty of humor, realistic feelings and natural dialogue and a happy conclusion to the issue of sibling rivalry. 2003, Dial/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8037-2662-7
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2662-8
The Great Googlestein Museum Mystery
Jean Van Leeuwen
Pictures by R.W. Alley.
The gang of three mice need adventure, so they leave their comfortable dollhouse at Macy's and escape outside. Marvin the Magnificent, the leader of the threesome, becomes fascinated by people on Rollerblades in Central Park. He just needs to try this amazing sport and the perfect spot is their new hiding place, a museum. Raymond, the inventor, starts fashioning the gear while Fats searches for his next yummy treat. They are holed up in the Guggenheim Museum, which Marvin persistently calls the Googlestein. Raymond creates, Marvin dreams of zooming down the circular ramp, and Fats becomes a modern artist. His first creation is a napkin covered with food designs and the other mice heartily agree that it is certainly better than some of the abstract art hanging on the museum walls. Fats continues to create and soon eight tiny pictures capture the attention of art critics. But Fats can not step forward to accept the accolades, as he is a mouse and humans tend to exterminate mice. Raymond continues to help his pals and they look forward to Marvin's athletic escapades. The witty tale of clever shenanigans and imaginative dialogue would provide an entertaining read-aloud. Detailed pen-and-ink drawings capture mouse expressions and body language. The lovable mice have starred in other novels, and fans are sure to be drawn into this engaging adventure. 2003, Phyllis Fogleman Books/Penguin Putnam, $16.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (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, 2004; H.W. Wilson
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Sequoyah Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Children's Book; Oklahoma
ISBN: 0-8037-2765-8
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2765-6
Mrs. Brown on Exhibit: And Other Museum Poems
Susan Katz
Pictures by R.W. Alley
Mrs. Brown, "the field trip queen," loves museums. Ann, who is thrilled to be in her class, reports reactions to the many kinds of museums they visit, from natural history and candy to art and baseball, in a series of rhyming or free verses filled with both vivid descriptions and humor. Butterflies and insects come to life, tornados and earthquakes astound, as the world and the minds of the students expands. Museum brochures decorate the end-papers; then Alley's colored drawings depict some of each museum's objects in their setting, along with the youngsters getting involved as only very curious, active, uninhibited kids can. Both words and pictures can enhance the appreciation of any museum. A list of some "amazing museums" around the country is appended. 2002, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Juvenile Non-Fiction; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-689-82970-1
ISBN: 978-0-689-82970-3
Paddington Bear and the Busy Bee Carnival
Michael Bond
Illustrations by R. W. Alley
Paddington Bear is back once again to teach us words that begin with the letter "B." On a day out in London with Mr. Gruber, they stop in Little Venice, a part of London along a canal. It just so happens that a carnival is being held there. Paddington and Mr. Gruber decide that they would like to go on the Busy Bee Adventure Trail writing down the many words that begin with "B" that they come across, such as bait, ball, bike, and bee. As usual, Paddington and Mr. Gruber meet various characters along the trail, some nice and some not-so-nice. The amusing, colorful, and detailed illustrations make this book as much fun to look at as to read. 1998, HarperTrophy, $12.95 and $5.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 1999; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0-06-027765-3
ISBN: 0-06-443658-6
ISBN: 978-0-06-027765-9
Pearl and Wagner: Three Secrets
Kate McMullan
Pictures by R. W. Alley
Three short stories featuring Pearl and her pal Wagner comprise this early reader. When Pearl sees a friend whispering to Wagner, it practically ruins the class trip to the ice cream factor. Pearl wants to know the secret and Wagner tries to keep his word to keep the secret. They miss most of what is going on during the tour and even miss out on the double-dip ice cream cones at the end of the trip. The second and third stories are also related to secrets--Wagner's fear of heights and loud noises associated with the roller coaster and Pearl's fear of riding the roller coaster once she is actually looking at it. What makes these stories so enjoyable is that the friends really do help each other overcome their personal fears. The stories also use language in a playful way, thus making something simple and ordinary quite interesting. Caring, humor and stories about real situations will resonate with kids, especially those who face the same dilemmas. The illustrations by Alley are equally delightful. Definitely a cut above most books of this genre. A Dial "Easy-To-Read" Level 2 book which features short sentences and simple dialogue. 2004, Dial/Penguin, $14.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (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, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2004; Cahners; United States
Top Ten Easy Readers, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Noteworthy 2005 Beginning to Read Fiction United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2007; Nominee; Easy Readers; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-8037-2574-4
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2574-4
Pearl and Wagner: Two Good Friends
Kate McMullan
Pictures by R.W. Alley
It is science fair time and the classroom is abuzz as kids talk about their various projects. Pearl is determined to make a robot. Wagner wants to win a prize. Pearl gets to work and Wagner helps and makes occasional suggestions while he talks about what he is going to make. When the teacher asks the students to present their projects, the variety id delightful, but Wagner realizes that he has nothing to show. He reminds Pearl that he helped her and when she makes her presentation, Wagner does get some credit. On science fair day, they are busy repairing their trash eating robot, but it just doesn't work right when the judges come by. Wagner tries to pull a fast one and gets caught. In the last chapter the friends have a falling out over Pearl's new boots. With the help of a friend and the robot they made, the two make up and even though Wagner still does not like the boots, he does like his friend Pearl. It is a delightful story with wonderful illustrations that stresses the importance of friendship and how relationships need to be worked out to remain in place. A level 2 book in the "Dial Easy-to-Read" series for kids in Grades K-2. 2003, Dial/Penguin Putnam, $13.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honor Book 2004 Beginning Reader-Fiction Maryland
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Easy Reader; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-8037-2573-6
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2573-7
The Real, True Dulcie Campbell
Cynthia DeFelice
Pictures by R.W. Alley
While busy with her farm chores, Dulcie becomes convinced that she is really Princess Dulcinea, whose real mother and father are ideal queen and king, and whose real brother and dog are equally far from those she is living with. She sets out to find her palace, taking a book full of stories about other princesses. The "palace" she stops at is really the barn. The tales she reads seem filled with grim fates for the princesses in them. And as it grows dark, menacing creatures seem to surround her. Luckily, as she admits, she is really not a princess, and she returns to her loving "real, true" family. Naturalistic watercolor drawings tell an appealing visual and emotional story. Dulcie walks to the castle/barn through a real country lane with overlaid framed pictures of the imagined royal life, while some story-book characters are really frightening. Her return to mundane reality is depicted with loving conviction. Dad at the sink is a nice touch. 2002, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-374-36220-3
ISBN: 978-0-374-36220-1
A Revolutionary Field Trip: Poems of Colonial America
Susan Katz
Pictures by R.W. Alley
Mrs. Brown, the wonderful teacher who takes her class on field trips, is back. This time they are going to a colonial village. They learn how to make candles, what toys children played with, and how to spin thread from wool. They attempt to sign their names with quill pens and line up and march like soldiers. They visit with several Native Americans and learn about the corn planting ceremony, Dream Catchers, and how to make rope from a stick. Katz's poems have a strong rhythm as well as being informational with touches of humor. Mrs. Brown's students have unique personalities. Alley's illustrations are well-placed on the page. Primary grade children will enjoy the humorous touches while they learn about life in the colonies. The endpapers are maps of the 13 original colonies and the Eastern Native Tribes and Nations of North America. This is a fun way to introduce children to American history. 2004, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 15, 2004; United States
ISBN: 0-689-84004-7
ISBN: 978-0-689-84004-3
Thanksgiving Day at Our House: Thanksgiving Poems for the Very Young
Nancy White Carlstrom
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
The anticipation, preparation and celebration of family at this autumn feast are all represented in these fifteen short and peppy poems. Carlstrom begins with "The Day Before," when children reenact the first Thanksgiving at school and concludes with a "Goodnight Prayer" on Thanksgiving night when a child thanks God for all the blessings of a good day. Intermingled are poems such as "Granny's Thanksgiving," in which she tells the children what Thanksgiving Day was like when she was a girl. The children have their own "Thanksgiving Parade," play "Thanksgiving Charades" and become solemn as they recite the "Prayer for Others." Alley's illustrations show a busy family and happy relatives (including the dogs). There is a nice integration of illustrations and poems. For example, the second and third poems are on a two-page spread that shows the children performing a play on stage at school. With the poem, "Thank You Singing Game" Alley has drawn the family posing for a photograph while another relative walks around with his video camera. These kid-centered poems present a wide range of feelings about this American holiday and will be fun to share with family members. 2002 (orig. 1999), Aladdin Paperbacks/ Simon & Schuster, $$6.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-689-85318-1
ISBN: 978-0-689-85318-0
This Is the House That Was Tidy & Neat
Teri Sloat
Illustrated by R.W. Alley
In this wild and funny variation on "The House that Jack Built," the tidy, neat house that Mom leaves soon gets ever messier. The mouse nibbles crumbs dropped from stolen cookies, the cat stalks the mouse, the dripping-wet dog sneaks in to chase the cat, and the girl scolds the boy who let the dog in after she has spilled milk all over. The rollicking rhymes cumulate, as the nanny who is supposed to be in charge drops off to sleep. She wakes up as Dad comes in, and "What a sight!" But somehow, by the time mom comes home, a frantic clean-up has made everything tidy and neat again. The faux-Edwardian setting Alley creates supplies just enough clutter to help build the crescendo of visual vitality in the scene combining the comic animal chase, the amazed father, and the rather nonchalant siblings. Pen and ink drawings with touches of watercolor keep the tone innocently amusing and delightfully inventive. The dad who not only directs the clean-up but makes dinner for the tired mom is a refreshing modern touch. 2005, Henry Holt and Company, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8050-6921-6
ISBN: 978-0-8050-6921-1
Tiger Can't Sleep
S.J. Fore
Illustrations by R.W. Alley
In this humorous variation about the difficulty youngsters have falling asleep, our young narrator cannot sleep because there is a tiger in his closet eating potato chips. Then he is bouncing a ball, then doing cartwheels, each activity resulting in repeated crunches, bounces and ker-thumps. Each time, when asked to be quiet, the tiger apologizes. But then the talented feline moves on with "Tip-taps" and "Oom-pahs," and crashes; a regular one-man band. Taking everything away from him, our hero demands, "NO MORE NOISE!" But when he hears the tiger crying, he invites him into bed. He enjoys the cozy quiet, until the snoring begins. The telling of the imaginative story is matter-of-fact. But Alley's visual narrative is loaded with a youngster's growing angst as he wrestles with his pillow and blanket with eyes open or drooping sleepily. And then there is that adorable insomniac tiger creating all manner of noises in large orange and yellow words. Full-pages and multiple action vignettes produced by nervous black line drawings with touches of watercolors are charged with comic emotions. 2006, Viking/Penguin Young Readers Group, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-670-06078-X
ISBN: 978-0670-06078-8
We're Off to Find the Witch's House
Richard Krieb
Illustrated by R. W. Alley
"We're off to find the Witch's House" chant the four costumed youngsters on Halloween. "Which house?" Yes, the witch's. But "we're not afraid" goes their repeated refrain, a they creep down her street, past an owl, a skeleton, a lurching Frankenstein monster, a ghost, a wolf, Dracula, and a mummy becoming more apprehensive as they go. Finally they are knocking on the witch's door. And there she is, despite her scary shadow, cheerily inviting them and all those they passed--in costume, of course--to a Happy Halloween party. The rhythmic, repetitive text is filled with alliteration, internal rhymes--like the blinking, winking, howling, scowling, growling owl and the scary glaring wolf (just a dog)--for entertaining reading aloud. Alley makes sure his youngsters show us how justifiably frightened they are by their facial expressions and body language. Double-page watercolors contain all the symbols of the occasion, but are presented in ways to defuse the fright. The several black pages toward the end very effectively add to the mock horror. The final wordless illustration of a pumpkin piñata with its cascading goodies adds a multicultural touch. 2005, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Young readers Group, $14.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-525-47003-4
ISBN: 978-0-525-47003-8
Ziggy's Blue-ribbon Day
Claudia Mills
Pictures by R.W. Alley
On track-and-field day, Ziggy is hoping for rain. He is good at drawing, but not at any of the events of the day. His teacher emphasizes that it is important to do your best, cheer for everyone, and have fun. But as he has tried and cheered, but has only a silver/gray participant ribbon for each event, Ziggy feels bad. Still his classmates come to admire the beautiful pictures he has drawn on the envelope with his ribbons, and offer him one of their prize blue ribbons if he will decorate theirs. Ziggy happily skips the optional races and draws away. He ends up with five blue ribbons for doing what he likes to do, and has had fun as well. Alley's double-page scenes depict a mixed group of elementary youngsters in energetic action unashamedly displaying their emotions. Ziggy's feelings seem more pensive, even dreamy in one scene, as he creates his pictures, still feeling demoralized by his failures. But as he is asked to draw by his classmates, his face becomes animated and his posture upright. In this hopeful story--which could open class discussions--individuals are valued for their different talents. 2005, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-32352-6
ISBN: 978-0-374-32352-3
Updated 10/31/06
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