Robert Burleigh
Uniquely prepared by his voracious interest in absolutely everything, Robert Burleigh approaches writing with a sense of humor and a driving need to explore a subject through research, explain the subject from an interesting perspective, and entertain readers of all ages while exposing them to many interesting topics. He has published many books through the years that have established him as an author sought out by editors to write biographies, and other non-fiction books. Many of his books come from his own extensive reading... "I comes across an interesting fact and decide to see if there is a book in it." He refers to himself as a "generalist" because his interests are so varied, ranging from poetry to science, to American History, and all things in between. He has refined his approach to writing, especially biographies, by seeking to capture the essence of a person (or any fact of interest) and then finding a "hook;" an event, a special trait, or some other way to immediately engage the reader. Then he goes on to flesh out the book with pertinent facts that inform as well and keep the reader engaged. Often using afterwards to give more history, he finds it "more fun to use dramatic situations" to reveal the information he wants to impart. Because he is interested in what he calls "creative nonfiction" he often explains in the opening of a book that the "author imagines" that this is how the characters would have felt, which serves to alert the reader that the facts are accurate but the actual emotions of the characters may have been extrapolated by Mr. Burleigh. We can agree that Langston Hughes must have been very pleased with himself as he wrote his first major poem even though actual history only records that he wrote it while riding on a train. (Langston's Train Ride).
Mr. Burleigh strives to appeal to a wide range of possible audiences; he has always admired Shel Silverstein's work because of that very range of feelings and meanings that reach a huge variety of people. Having worked in the development of film strips for children, Robert Burleigh, was "trained" to look at a huge realm of possible subjects to reach the interests of children. This was also a great training ground for the kind of in depth research that has become one of the hallmarks of his work. He still works with his first editor, Barbara Kouts, and credits editors with many great ideas and refinements in the development of the body of work he has created for children's literature. Because he is interested in ideas developed for children, he has also watched "Sesame Street" to observe how the show bounces ideas around. He loves to play with language and appreciates the work of others in using words to reach children.
He does lots of school visits and enjoys his interactions with students, especially when he details all of the behind-the-scenes effort creating a book really takes. Students balk at the idea of re-writing; but, Burleigh talks them through his process of garnering ideas, brainstorming ("scratching out ideas on legal pads"), "distilling" the facts from the "hodgepodge of ideas," and then working on the computer to bring the "treatment" to the page. He also discusses the value, the absolute need, to re-write and edit. The process of mulling over the collected facts and determining the approach he will use for a subject or person is the most time consuming aspect as he begins to develop a book. The actual writing only begins after he has collected all of the facts and he "knows way too much" about a subject. The writing flows better, for him, if he is extremely well prepared before he starts word processing. He also stresses that having others read his work helps him to make it better by "tweaking" and reshaping some sections.
The main impression one receives, after speaking on the phone with Robert Burleigh, is one of a person consumed by an interest in the entire universe. He conveys this interest with such vivid descriptions and well chosen words that one cannot help but be caught up in his enthusiasm for life and all that it holds. He is now considering channeling this enthusiasm into a novel. This will be a new challenge for him and I, for one, can hardly wait to see where he will go in this different format. The fact that he can translate such enthusiasm into the written word is a testament to the talent that is Robert Burleigh. A talent that has been recognized with many prizes and honors in the children's literature venue (see listings below).
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
For further information about Robert Burleigh, visit his web site www.robertburleigh.com.
Treat yourself and the children you know or work with to a variety of his books. As you will see from the selections that follow, there is something of interest for everyone.
Reviews
Amelia Earhart Free In The Skies
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Bill Wylie
Amelia Earhart truly was a real life superhero. Although she is mostly remembered as being the first female to cross the Atlantic in an airplane, she did far more dazzling feats as a pilot in her own right. She was brave, beautiful, and a legend even in her own time. In the spirit of comic book heroes like Superman, Free in the Skies gives us a look at Amelia's life done with comic book style illustrations and text but with a hard cover book format. Young readers and reluctant readers will thrill at all the daring adventures that Amelia experiences in her life. This book is a fast paced, action packed account of Amelia Earhart's amazing life. 2003, Silver Whistle/Harcourt Books, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0152024980
American Moments: Scenes From American History
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Bruce Strachan
While this book looks like a picture book and certainly is filled with pictures, it is for older readers. Burleigh sums it up best in his author's note "...this book constitute[s] a cross-section intended to represent the many facets of American life." The words that describe each event are Burleigh's so it is not a true historical account, but one based on historical events and what people might have said or thought. He begins with the Thanksgiving feast of October, 1621 and moves quickly to the American Revolution with Washington crossing the Delaware, and on to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Then he features other events that one might not have selected as being as significant to American history such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong playing jazz together, Houdini escaping and Georgia O'Keeffe painting a picture. It is eclectic and represents his personal choices; however, there are endnotes to flesh out the selections even further. The art is most unusual; Strachan sculpted figures in clay and then painted them in oils. The backdrop scenery was painted on wooden panels. The effect is strange because the heads all appear larger than the bodies and all of the painting have a three dimensional impact. It may be off-putting to some and quite intriguing to others. It certainly is different. A book that could be useful for reluctant readers in upper grades or a selection suited for those who enjoy learning more about American history. 2004, Henry Holt, $18.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0805070826
Earth From Above: Sustainable Development in a Changing World
Adapted by Robert Burleigh
Philippe J. Dubois and Valérie Guidoux
Drawings by Sylvia Bataille
"In just a few decades, human activities have seriously threatened the biodiversity that existed and evolved for over 3 billion years." This is truly an important and beautiful book about our planet. Each double page spread features a spectacular view of our planet by renowned French photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The topics covered include the need for biodiversity, how heavy population helps us and also hurts us, the disappearing coral reefs, the delicate balance of earth and water, eroding coastlines, disappearing forests, new species, insect infestations, climate changes, floods, monsoons, melting ice caps, giant icebergs, increasing deserts, poverty, scarcity of drinking water, healthcare problems, war, population relocation, soil erosion, feeding the world, over fishing, loss of soil nutrients, living off the land, fair world trade, pollution, traffic problems, land fill sites, nuclear waste, wind power, and the greenhouse effect. The end papers are a map of the countries around the globe, showing population and distribution of water resources. This excellent book is highly recommended. 2003, Harry N Abrams, $16.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0810950189
Black Whiteness: Admiral Byrd Alone In The Antarctic
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop
The power of poetic text and picture book art combine to transport adults and any child old enough to grasp the concepts of arctic climate, exploration, record keeping, and aloneness into this telling of the time when Admiral Byrd was alone in the Arctic. For nearly six months in 1934, that was Byrd's chosen world. Beyond daily weather recording, he wanted to experience living totally alone amid extreme cold and blackness relieved only by flashlight, lantern, and a small gas lamp. "Byrd had given a hard and fast order not to come back for him until a month before the sun returns." Yet, even when crippled by carbon monoxide poisoning, his training and will of mission supported survival and a last push to light a flare to guide the tractor through the Arctic night to reach him. 1998, Atheneum Books, $16.00. Ages 7 to 14. Reviewer: Carolyn Dennette Michaels (Children's Literature).
In 1934, Admiral Richard Byrd spent six month at Antarctica's first inland base--a below the surface, four-stride-wide, weather station-hut. Robert Burleigh's spare account of Byrd's experiment in "frost and darkness as complete as that of the Ice Age," excerpts from his diary, and Walter Lyon Krudop's paintings vividly portray the intrepid explorer's almost fatal adventure in Black Whiteness. An experience, Byrd wrote, that heightened "the sheer beauty and miracle of being alive." 1998, Atheneum, $16.00. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, January 1 and 15, 1998; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1998; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1998; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1998; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 1997; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor Book 1999 United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Winner 1998 Social Studies: K-6 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Children's Crown Award, 2001; Nominee; United States
Emphasis on Reading, 1998-1999; Nominee; Grades 2 & 3; Alabama
Emphasis on Reading, 1999-2000; Nominee; Grades 2 & 3; Alabama
Prairie Pasque Award, 2001; Nominee; South Dakota
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 3 to 5; Kansas
ISBN: 068981299X
Edna
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Joanna Yardley
Have you ever wondered where and how a poet gets his/her inspiration? This is the lovely story of Edna St. Vincent Millay and her experiences and those of her struggling community of fellow artists and poets in New York. One special adventure, with a friend from Latin America, inspired her poem "Recuerdo," which means "remembrance" in Spanish. The illustrations and text easily transport you to those days in the early 1900s and you can imagine how Edna came to write some of America's best poetry. Included are a copy of her poem and a brief profile of Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950). 2000, Orchard Books, $16.99 and $15.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Karen Werner (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0531302466
ISBN: 0531332462
Flight
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh made the first non-stop fight from New York to Paris. Burleigh poetically describes that momentous event. 33 1/2 hours from start to finish and we are there flying with Lindy in "Space and time and deep, deep darkness..." While many of Wimmer's paintings fill the pages with the vastness of sea and sky, there is an early scene showing only the feet and legs of Lindbergh, a perspective that plants us firmly on the ground, making the airborne scenes even more dramatic. Winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Nonfiction and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. 1997, Putnam Pub Group, $14.95. Ages 7 to 11. Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Mike Wimmer's dramatic paintings, the backdrop for Mr. Burleigh's terse text, make history come alive. You are there! Alongside Lindbergh on that misty May morning, lifting up, up, and across the Atlantic to land some thirty-two-plus hours later on French soil to the cheers of thousands. Lindbergh's exhaustion, as depicted on the last page, is palpable. 1991, Philomel, $14.95. Ages 8 up. Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sept. 1, 1991; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1992 Non-Fiction United States
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Winner 1992 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
South Carolina Book Awards, 1995; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
Virginia State Young Readers' Award, 1995; Nominee; Elementary School Level, Grades 3-5; Virginia
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 1993-1994; Nominee; Kansas
ISBN: 0-698-11425-6
ISBN: 0-399-22272-3
Goal
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson
Poetry and soccer might not seem a likely mix, but this book melds the two quite nicely. What better way to describe the action of soccer than, "River-wide field/Flail of knees/Splash of many legs/ Hold your position! Defense!" or "Leap for the sky/Arms upraised/ Delirious dance/ We did it! We did it!" The pastel illustrations don't need primary colors to convey a sense of excitement and motion--the children are beautiful, animated and concentrated as they play their exciting game. A great way to introduce sports-loving kids to poetry. 2001, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children's Literature).
The team members who created Hoops, an award winning picture book about basketball, have joined forces again for the sport of soccer. In finely crafted verse, Burleigh describes the excitement of young players when the score is tied and there is only one minute left in the game: "Give and go./Spinning inside./ Nearer and nearer./I want it--I want it!" Illustrations done in pastels on Lana Ingres paper show a team of boys and girls working together to find a "needle's eye chink in a wall of wild bodies" that makes the winning goal possible. Johnson captures the whirling movement of feet and legs across a green field as clearly as an action photograph. The final pages of rejoicing players hugging and joining hands will make readers cheer along: "Leap for the sky./Arms upraised./ Delirious dance." You don't have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this one. 2001, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, February 1, 2001; United States
Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 2002; United States
ISBN: 0152017895
Hercules
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Raul Colón
A simple but poetic text relates the final and most difficult of the twelve labors of Hercules as he journeys to the Underworld to bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards Hades. The dramatic illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, boldly bring to life the hero and the dark world to which he descends. A brief forward and explanation of characters will give the neophyte a firm grasp of the story. What a wonderful way to introduce these stories to young readers and possibly whet their appetite for more. 1999, Harcourt Brace, $16.00. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 1999; Smithsonian; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland
ISBN: 0152016678
Home Run : The Story of Babe Ruth
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
Going, going, gone! During his spectacular career, George Herman Ruth hit numerous homeruns, a feat that helped him become a world-famous sports figure. This exceptional picture book takes a close-up look at Babe Ruth's powerful swing--a swing that changed the game of baseball forever. In addition to a poetic tribute to this baseball great, the author also provides vintage-style baseball cards that focus on Ruth's career highlights from his pitching record to his top homerun season. Reminiscent of Norman Rockwell's exquisite style, Wimmer's beautifully detailed paintings perfectly capture the essence of America's favorite pastime and one of America's favorite sports heroes. This book is definitely a home run! 1998, Harcourt Brace, $16.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
During the current baseball season, as old records tumble, it's satisfying to remember one of the greatest hitters of the game, George Herman Ruth, a.k.a. "the Babe." The author lovingly depicts the awesome "Goliath of the Grand Slam" in sharp hitting words, while the illustrator portrays him in action-packed, dynamic, and life-like paintings. This picture book is a winner that sets a high standard of excellence. Each page of text features a vintage-style baseball card detailing one of Babe's career highlights. Wimmer's paintings are sensational. 1998, Harcourt Brace, $16.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 1999; International Reading Association; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 1999; Children's Book Council; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1999; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 1998; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Great Lakes Great Book Award Honor Book 2001 Grades 4-5 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades 4 - 5; Michigan
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2002; Nominee; Picture Book; Nevada
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2000; Nominee; Picture Book; Utah
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; N/A; Texas
ISBN: 0152009701
Hoops
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson
Winner of an ALA Notable Children's Book award and tapped by Booklist, School Library Journal and others as a top choice, Hoops combines strong poetry with dynamic pictures to provide an experience of what it's like to play the fast-paced sport of basketball. From "The rough roundness. The ball like a piece of the thin long reach of your body" to "The feathery fingertip roll and soft slow drop" to "The bent legs tense as the missed shot swirls and silently spins" the beauty and strength of the play is documented in terse language. Never an extra move, never an extra word in this book. A great way to introduce poetry to youngsters, who will find it a far cry from the rhyming, romance and roses they might think poetry is. The multicultural crew of players on the outdoor playground court make their own powerful statement, too. The artist is a Caldecott Honor and Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist for his Alphabet City; the author also received the Orbis Pictus Award for his The Journey of Charles Lindbergh. 1997, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children's Literature).
The pastel images of these basketball players are magnificent. You can feel the game, the power of the girl as she drives to the basket, and the strength and skill of the other players as they dribble, twist, turn and leap in this fast moving pickup game. The words in white are inset in black frames and should be read aloud, because they echo what one sees in the pictures. You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book, but sports fans are sure to like it. It would also serve as a good choice for the reluctant reader or as an introduction to poetic text. 1997, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1997; Bank Street College of Education; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, November 15, 1997; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 1998; International Reading Association; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1998; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1997; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Third Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 1997; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1998; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 1997; Cahners; United States
Recent and Relevant Children's Books, 1997; American Visions; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1997; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 1997; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2000; Nominee; Louisiana
ISBN: 0152014500
I Love Going Through This Book
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
What is it that you love about books and reading? A young cartoon boy makes his way literally through this unique picture book, scaling pages. He comments about the book's scenery and characters, while sharing his thoughts about why he loves reading. Librarians and teachers could use this story to explain book construction (the front flap says, "This is a flap") and to teach basic literary elements. For example, to introduce setting, one could use the pages when the boy strolls through a meadow or shines his flashlight on a bear saying, "Is this page like a thick, dark wood? Is this one like a cave?" At the end of the story the boy follows arrows to go back through again. The brief text and humorous illustrations will appeal to young children who are learning to love reading. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0060288051
ISBN: 006028806X
Into The Air : The Story Of The Wright Brothers' First Flight
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Bill Wylie
In full-color graphic novel style, this information-driven biography tells of the adult Wright Brothers and their cycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, used as their base for tinkering with gliders in hopes of flying. "Orv" and "Will" talk and joke while they take their first attempt to Kitty Hawk in 1900 and keep improving the design over the next three years--curving the wing, balancing by swiveling of hips, experimenting in homemade wind tunnels, and testing out their engineering. The action-packed cartoons make use of rectangular frames but most are broken by images, turned askew, or varied in some way as to keep visual interest high as the brothers' plane eventually stays aloft under its own power for about a minute. An afterword informs readers that it took five more years before the government became interested and that Wilbur died in 1912 but Orville lived to 1948 to see the "Age of Flight" develop. It is a compelling way to interest young readers in the topic but features none of the trappings of a traditional nonfiction or biography, such as timelines, index, or related readings. While Katherine Wright played a part in her brothers' work, she is not really a part of the visuals, making this an all-male story. The snappy series will entice readers to learn without knowing they are so engaged and it belongs on the shelves alongside other, more complete, biographies. After reading this one, the information-seeker may be motivated to seek out a more-text driven book on the subject of interesting flights--and there are many. Part of the "American Heroes" series. 2002, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0152024921
ISBN: 0152168036
Into The Woods: John James Audubon Lives His Dream
Robert Burleigh
Paintings by Wendell Minor
Rather than writing a biography of Johan James Audubon, as one might initially have expected, the author has given us a reflection on Audubon's love of animals and his drive to observe and illustrate them in their natural habitat. The book is two stories in one, as each page contains an imagined conversation between Audubon and his father, as well as lines from Audubon's personal diaries. In the fabricated conversation, our woodsman/artist explains his motivations for pursuing his course. It is not until the final two pages of the book that we are given a two-paragraph summary of Audubon's life. In full-page depictions of Audubon in his field of study, the illustrator has brought his own love of nature to the pages of the book. As an added benefit, some of Audubon's own carefully rendered illustrations are portrayed throughout. This book will provide good supplementary material for the student who is researching either the life of Audubon or drawing from nature. 2003, Atheneum Books, $16.95 and $26.50. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Schott Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2004; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 2, 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Connecticut Book Awards Winner 2004 Children's Literature-Illustrator United States
ISBN: 0689830408
It's Funny Where Ben's Train Takes Him
Robert Burleigh
Pictures by Joanna Yardley
Ben possesses a vivid and wonderful imagination. The magical train he draws and dreams of takes him and the "bedtime travelers" for an adventurous ride. They go up mountains covered with snow, past green hills dotted with cows and horses, under modern city skyscrapers, and over fast running rivers. The wondrous sights along the journey are artfully displayed through the watercolor illustrations. 1999, Orchard Books, $15.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Bonnie Bruneau (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0531301060
ISBN: 0531331067
Langston's Train Ride
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
The author relates an event in Langston Hughes' life that is a defining moment for him. As he rides the train toward Mexico, the rumbling sounds sway him back and forth rekindling some of his childhood memories of the river, the Mississippi River. It unearths visions of slaves and how it played such an important role in their lives, work, pain and sometimes death. Words come to him about rivers, the Congo, the Nile and the Euphrates. With this as a background his poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is born and he comes to believe in himself as a writer. The author's rendition of this event presents an opportunity for young people to seriously consider pursuing their own dreams. The illustrator's bold, colorful illustrations add buoyancy to the text. 2004, Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc, $16.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0439352398
Lookin' For Bird In The Big City
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Marek Los
The jazz trumpeter Miles Davis actually did go to New York City as a teenager, searching for the legendary Charlie "Bird" Parker. Together, they worked on the new bebop style of jazz. Here Burleigh has young Davis describe his exploration of the city, its skyline, streets, bridges, subways, ferries and clubs until he finally finds Parker and they play satisfyingly together and solo. The spare text has a staccato rhythm punctuated by the sounds, the "Zippa-wee-da," "Dop-dop, skitteree," "Upadee" of jazz, as it tells a story of how it may have been. Illustrator Los' double page paintings are more like tone poems than guide book photos of the city. The misty gray of the harbor, the hazy skyline, the electric dull pinks of the jazz club lined street--all are saturated with the emotions of Davis's search and the final duet, in this introduction to a piece of jazz history. 2001, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2001; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 15, 2001; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Georgia Children's Picture Story Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Georgia
ISBN: 0152020314
Messenger, Messenger
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Barry Root
Rap rhythms accompany Calvin Curbhopper's waking in the small room he shares with his cat. Award-winning artist Barry Root's energetic double-page spreads throughout begin with morning colors of bright yellow and orange as Calvin carries his bike downstairs and crosses a bridge into the city (which seems to be New York). The story is a rap on Calvin's day, from the first delivery at 8 o'clock to several in "midday blare" and through the icy afternoon when he is "cold to the bone." Small readers will find comforting rhythms here--and an introduction to a broad range of the city's people, places, and occupations, from poor neighborhoods to rich, climaxing with a panoramic view of the city with all its lights on. "And then it's time to go,/ Calvin Curbhopper, takin' it slow" leads us back to Calvin's tiny room, with the cat stretching to give a warm welcome. An avid cyclist himself, author Robert Burleigh conducted many hours of interviews and conversations with bike messengers to get his material and, because of an unusually fruitful collaboration between writer and artist Barry Root, the book is alive with the sounds and sights of a day in New York. 2000, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Nancy Tilly (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, May 15, 2000; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0689821034
Pandora
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Raul Colón
This is the story of the classic Greek myth of Pandora, the beautiful woman obsessed with her own curiosity and ultimately tempted to satisfy it. The author gives a good explanation of the myth's origins at the beginning of the book as well as a glossary of Greek gods' names. All of this not only helps the reader understand the plot better, but also the magnitude of Pandora's crime. The text is almost poetic in its verse-like design. Language is used carefully, precisely and pointedly. This adds to the suspense of the story as the reader feels Pandora's temptation rise. The illustrations resemble gallery oil paintings as each is carefully framed on a page. The entire book gives an aura of seriousness and concern; the magnitude of Pandora's weakness is appreciated. Older children will understand the moral behind this story and acknowledge the strength of temptation and the power of hope. It is a book to be discussed. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 1, 2002; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0152021787
The Sea: Exploring Life On An Ocean Planet
Adapted by Robert Burleigh
Photographs by Philip Plisson text by Yvon Mauffret
Drawings by Emmanuel Cerisier
"No seagoing person or any ship can claim to be stronger than the sea." So says the text writer of this scenically spectacular book. Humankind has, however, been somewhat successful in capturing the strength, mystery and beauty of the sea in photograph and word. This book, which combines photography by French photographer Plisson, text by Yvon Mauffret and lovely simple drawings by Emmanuel Gersier, gives readers a broad and beautiful overview of the oceans with its inhabitants as well as cultures of seafaring people all over the world. People's interactions with the sea are presented in intriguing ways. "The Art of Fishing on Foot" is about claming or crabbing in the shallows. Oyster farming, salmon farming, commercial fishing, salt harvesting and tourism are some of the ways people use the sea for their livelihoods. At the same time, Plisson won't let the reader forget the simple pleasures of the sea: watching dolphins running before the stern of a ship, surfing, sailing for pleasure, children playing in the sand. Breathtaking photographs also feature merchant marine, military or recreational sailors and diving. Finally, the book features magic of the sea with shots of tides and sunsets. This is a very broad book that might just capture it all. 2002, Harry N. Abrams, $14.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0810945916
The Secret Of The Great Houdini
Robert Burleigh
Illustrations by Leonid Gore
The cool colors of the pastel illustrations set a somber mood to this picture book about the great escape artist Harry Houdini. One can imagine the chill in the air and the enormous anticipation of the crowd gathered to watch the Great Houdini chain himself inside a locked metal trunk. Sam learns about the Great Houdini's past from his Uncle Ezra as Houdini is lowered into the icy cold depths of murky river water. The time below water is announced through the large bold print and the anticipation and worry is expressed in the illustrations and the conversation Sam has with his uncle, who is always there to reassure him that the Great Houdini will pull through once again. Just when the crowd believes Mr. Houdini will not make it, he emerges to the thrill of the crowd. The story is followed up by an afterword about Harry Houdini's life that will help to answer children's questions regarding this remarkable and brave American icon. 2002, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0689832672
Seurat and La Grande Jatte: Connecting the Dots
Robert Burleigh
This large, richly illustrated book is a marvelous introduction to the work of an important late nineteenth century painter, the pointillist Georges Seurat. Few other painters are so defined in the mind of the public by a single work as Seurat is by his monumental A Sunday on La Grande Jatte--1884. Robert Burleigh, who has written many successful children's books, takes the young reader on a stroll through the park-like setting of the monumental painting where people, dogs, monkeys, trees and shadows all add their color to the rich fabric of the work. Burleigh explains the conception that inspired the painting and the careful sketches and preliminary studies before Seurat did the actually painting. He describes and illustrates the pointillism that Seurat developed as a key to his search for a distinct personal style. Several later paintings in the same style are also illustrated. The book is written to engage early and middle readers and it is well suited to being read to one or to a few younger elementary school students since the illustrations are best appreciated up close. The book includes a time-line, glossary and bibliography. Hurrah for Seurat. 2004, Harry N Abrams, $17.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Wesley Jernigan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor Book 2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Beehive Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Informational; Utah
ISBN: 0810948117
Volcanoes: Journey to the Crater's Edge
Adapted by Robert Burleigh
Photographs by Philippe Bourseiller; text by Hélène Montardre
Drawings by David Giraudon
As he did for Earth from Above for Young Readers, Robert Burleigh has written a reader-friendly text to accompany the stunning volcano photographs of Philippe Bourseiller. Additional watercolor and pencil sketches accompany the text and photos as a sort of three-way method of understanding what is going on. Beginning with a fascinating account of how Bourseiller takes these pictures and the equipment he needs in order to be safe, the text and pictures move to dramatic encounters with volcanoes such as Iceland's Lakagigar cone, Japan's Sakurajima Volcano, Indonesia's Merapi Volcano, Kenya's hot-springs-fed lake in the crater of Lake Bogoria, and a stunning aerial photo of all of the trees within a 350 mile radius of Mount St. Helens uprooted and lying in the same direction in 1980 when that volcano exploded. These 35 photographs, taken mostly from above, are beautiful in their own right--swirling patterns of color, dots of white that turn out to be flamingoes, striations of erosions, snow patterns, cooling lava, fissures. It is an awe-inspiring collection and one that asks children to consider the whole world and its weather and geologic patterns. This worldview is assisted by an oval rendition of the landmasses highlighting with a hard-to-see red dot that marks the site under discussion. A fine additional text for those elementary schools studying world cultures or the middle school studies of earth sciences, this book is worth owning just for the serendipitous blend of photos, sketches, and text. 2003, Abrams, $14.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0810945908
Who Said That?: Famous Americans Speak
Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by David Catrow
The power of the spoken word is the focus. From the serious and inspirational to the witty and sublime, these oft quoted words from prestigious men and women, including Franklin Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King, Jr., are a rich legacy. The speakers may be long gone, but their words live on. Have you ever thought about the story behind a quote? Burleigh's lively text allows the reader to see what was behind the words. Catrow's detailed ink drawings are comical, full of satire, and tell a story by themselves. Great for teacher introductions to history or science, and a wonderful attention grabber for any age. 1997, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Melinda Medley Sprinkle (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, March 1, 1997; United States
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1998; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 1997 Social Studies: K-6 United States
ISBN: 0805043942
Added 08/26/05
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