Denise Fleming
Denise Fleming makes fabulous books but she also makes an unusual sort of music in her art studio. While she was demonstrating her unique liquid paper art technique, she told the gathering of her admirers that when she is creating in her studio she has numerous pieces "working" at any one time. The process of pouring liquid paper pulp onto screen forms requires an expertise unknown to most artists but mastered by Ms. Fleming. As the screens drip the excess water, they are propped over huge vats to collect the run off. The resulting drip-drip-dripping is, indeed, a musical piece orchestrated by the artist herself. Her generosity with her audience is just an extension of the generous spirit she brings to everything that she writes and illustrates. Her quick laughter and eagerness to demonstrate her art for the assembled fans made for a completely enjoyable and informative experience for all who were lucky enough to attend. She had no qualms about explaining every step of the creation process and actually made an original piece right before our very eyes. Her quick, deft movements spoke of the talent and dedication that goes into every piece of "pulp painting" that she creates. Using a variety of materials (including, among other things:chicken feed, pond water, dirt, and Chinese embroidery floss), Denise Fleming creates some of the most colorful art being done for children's illustrations today. The paper IS the art and Denise Fleming is THE ARTIST EXTRODINAIRE.
Visit her fantastic web site
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Alphabet Under Construction
Denise Fleming
Buck-toothed and very active Mouse, who made his first appearance in Lunch (1992), constructs the alphabet. He airbrushes the A, folds the F, levels the L, saws the S, x-rays the X, and generally works himself into an exhaustion as he surveys his calendar work schedule at the book's end. Fleming's choice of verbs stretches young readers' vocabulary but the picture context provides plenty of information for interpreting those words when Mouse ices, welds, rolls, prunes, tiles, or airbrushes. Fleming's signature illustrations, paper pulp poured through stencils, deeply colored and richly textured, make this book compelling and fun to look at. It also comes with a removable frieze of Mouse's whole alphabet, which would make a colorful poster for the study or classroom. 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
I fell in love with this book as soon as I saw it. Fleming's pulp painting is amazing and her illustrations in this book are wonderful. The concept is that a mouse is constructing the alphabet, so we follow him "on the job." He "nails the N" and "hangs the H" and otherwise works his way through the alphabet. And each page is a joy to behold. Fleming's colors are wonderful and you can almost feel the texture. Naturally, I looked at the "X" page in hopes that Fleming would have found some X word of interest. It is the old tried and true "X-ray" but it is done beautifully. At the end, mouse lies back and looks at the calendar with his work schedule on it. That is one tired but pleased looking mouse! 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Aug. 1, 2002; United States
Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee 2004 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2x2 Reading List, 2003; Texas
South Carolina Picture Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Carolina
ISBN: 0805068481
Buster
Denise Fleming
Buster is a contented dog that has everything he could possibly want. He has dishes with his name painted on them, a large grassy yard, a tall oak tree, a sandpit, an in-and-out flap, a basket full of toys, a radio, and Brown Shoes. Brown Shoes, his person, takes him to the park whenever he wants to go. One day, Brown Shoes brings home a large box. Buster is hoping that it contains something tasty. Instead he finds a cat named Betty, and Buster is afraid of cats. He ignores her, hoping that she will go away. She does not. Betty sleeps in his dishes, digs in his sandpit, runs in and out of his flap, hides his toys, and changes the station on his radio. Buster runs away to a nearby park. He enjoys his carefree time until he realizes he is lost. A familiar waving ball of white fur in the top of a tall tree helps him find his way back home and Buster is once again a happy dog. Fleming's colorful trademark illustrations are created by pushing colored cotton fiber through hand-cut stencils. These brilliantly-colored pulp paintings feature a red Buster against bright yellows and greens. This picture book is broken up into short two-page chapters. Each has a title describing the story line ("A Fine Park," "Betty," etc.). Educational applications might include introduction of the concept of chapters and simple map reading skills. This one is a winner. 2003, Henry Holt and Company, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Pat Williams (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books, 2003; Publisher's Weekly; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2003; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 14, 2003; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 2004 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Chicadee Award , 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-4; Maine
Ladybug Picture Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Pre K-3; New Hampshire
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Washington
ISBN: 0805062793
Count!
Denise Fleming
Board books provide an affordable answer for parents who want their children to enjoy books. These books generally have thick pages that facilitate page turning and have plastic-coatings to protect them from the wear and tear of active baby life. Well-known concepts books are also appearing in this format, and little ones will love the graphically bold Count! 1997 (orig. 1992), Holt, $6.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Bright, bold animals from one gnu to ten lizards cavort across the pages of this board book version of Fleming's highly successful picture book. At the end, kids are encouraged to "Count again!" and surely they will. 1997 (orig. 1992), Holt, $6.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-8050-4252-0
The Everything Book
Denise Fleming
The eye-catching illustrations are what this book is all about. Denise Fleming with her unusual images produced with cotton pulp poured through hand-cut stencils has created plenty for young kids to look at. This book teaches numbers, shapes, counting, the ABCs, seasons and also contains pages that show scenes and name the objects, animals, etc. The poems are all attributed to anonymous and they have a distinctly English flavor to them. It is like preschool 101 and should provide many hours of fun for toddlers and caregivers. At the end of the book there is a challenge to count all of the ladybugs that have appeared throughout the book--that challenge is beyond the ability of the intended audience. 2000, Holt, $19.95. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books to Grow On, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, June 15, 2000; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2000; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Babies and Toddlers United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2X2 Reading List, 2001; Ages 3-6; Texas
ISBN: 0805062920
In the Small, Small Pond
Denise Fleming
Fleming's signature cotton pulp and stencil illustrations are given a new dimension in this iconographic video production. Gentle movements occur as the croaking frog observes the geese waddle and the wings of the dragonflies quiver. Laura Dern narrates the story in a soft, gentle voice and gives life to the marvelous onomatopoetic words. Children will delight in the antics of the frog as he encounters the various critters who visit: the swallows, the lobster, the raccoon and more. This visually appealing five minute video shows seasonal transformations through the change in colors around the pond. The upbeat music by Jerry Dale McFadden and the interesting sound effects add to the enjoyment of the view of a small but important place in the natural world. This is a wonderful production of this Caldecott Honor book. 2001, Weston Woods/Scholastic, $60.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-78820-767-9
In the Tall, Tall Grass
Denise Fleming
I love Fleming's bold style which she achieves by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils. Her simple rhyming text accompanies illustrations that capture well the dynamic ecosystems of different environments. Creatures such as lunch-munching caterpillars and loop-swooping bats share space in this book as they do in the natural world. 1991, Holt, $15.95, $19.95 and $5.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best First Novels for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Oct. 1, 1991; United States
Books to Grow On, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 1992; International Reading Association; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal: Best Books, 1991; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Please Touch Museum Book Award Winner 1992 United States
Redbook Children's Picturebook Awards Winner 1991 United States
ISBN: 0-8050-1635-X
ISBN: 0-8050-2950-8
Lunch
Denise Fleming
Lunch makes a great transition to board book format. A hungry mouse eats his way through a variety of colorful foods. All of the colors end up on his fur and color the trail to his mouse hole. The humor is depicted in the accumulation of stains (food colors) that cover the mouse and the implied questions as to what the mouse will eat. A visual clue for the next food appears in each scene as well as the food he is currently gorging on. It is a delightful board book that will sate those hungry and observant toddlers. Fleming's hand-made paper illustrations are a feast for the eyes. 1998, Henry Holt, $6.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
ISBN: 0-8050-5696-3
Maker Of Things
Denise Fleming
Photographs by Karen Bowers
One of the world's most beloved children's author/illustrator, Denis Fleming, shares her life story with her fans in this book. From her childhood in Ohio, visiting her grandmothers and the art museum, to her love of making things, Fleming shares the journey that brought her to write her books. As always in the "Meet the Author" series, the reader is allowed access to the writing process. Fleming writes, "There were always books in my head that I wanted to share. But I was always more comfortable making art than writing. Writing has so many rules and I was worried I'd make a mistake." Fleming uses hundreds of words and ideas to piece together the simple language in her books. Illustrations for her books are inspired by Fleming's many pets. Finally, Fleming lets her fans in on her simple paper-making technique called "pulp- painting." This process makes Fleming's illustrations truly wonder-filled for readers of every age. 2002, Richard Owen Publishers Inc, $14.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Colbroth (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1572745967
Mama Cat Has Three Kittens
Denise Fleming
This charming story of Mama cat and her three kittens (Fluffy, Skinny, and Boris) is based on the author's own collection of cats. Fluffy and Skinny follow their Mama while she washes, sharpens her claws, and chases leaves--but Boris only naps. Denise Fleming won a Caldecott Honor for her previous book, In the Small, Small Pond, and she uses the same illustration technique for this one. She pours colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, resulting in images that are beautiful, distinctive and colorful set in handmade paper. The full-page illustrations are accompanied by text printed in large, bold type. This book is sure to become a favorite for toddlers and preschoolers. 1998, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson (Children's Literature).
Fluffy and Skinny follow and imitate Mama Cat in her various activities, while Boris naps. Finally Boris wakes up and pounces! But he soon naps again, in this bare-bones, comfortingly familiar, and humorous, repetitive tale told in large type. The bold, caption-like text doesn't hint at the vitality of the characters we see in the illustrations. Fleming uses prepared colored cotton pulp for her handmade paper images. Double pages are designed to present the textured shapes of the very active animals and decorative flowers in ways to stimulate emotions, while adding details to attract attentive eyes. Fleming has also produced a papermaking kit for older students to try out her technique. 1998, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reveiwers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Reading Magic Awards, 1998; Parenting; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 1999 United States
Great Lakes' Great Books Award Winner 2001 Grades PreK-1 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades Pre K - 1; Michigan
ISBN: 0805057455
Pumpkin Eye
Denise Fleming
Simple rhymed couplets evoke the exciting and anticipatory mood of Halloween night in which "Trick or treat, pounding feet, jack-o'-lanterns line the street." Fleming's signature illustrations of paper pulp poured through stencils glow with deep night colors and are set off with bright orange pumpkins, yellow hair and the huge, full harvest moon. Challenging vocabulary ("wretched witches roam the street"..."clacking bones/muffled moans") will appeal to independent trick-or-treaters, while younger hand-holders will respond to the slightly scary word choices (tattered, toothless, eerie, hissing, swooping). The repeated phrase of pounding feet conveys the excitement of running from house to house in the night as "Halloween has found our street." A great read-aloud for the season's story hour, and a semi-scary but ultimately friendly reminder of the childhood joys of being out and about on this special holiday, disguised but a little bit scared by others' disguises, and getting candy. 2001, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 15, 2001; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 1, 2001; United States
ISBN: 0805066810
Time To Sleep
Denise Fleming
As one might guess from the title, this is a great bedtime story. A simple tale follows a progression of animals as they alert each other to the coming of winter and the time to hibernate/sleep. When the story comes full circle, it's good night all. The illustrations, very beautiful and unique, are images created in hand-made paper with colored pulp and stencils. This very bright and colorful book is a great addition to a young child's library. 1997, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 1997; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1997; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 1998 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Red Clover Children's Choice Picture Book Award , 1998-1999; Nominee; Vermont
ISBN: 0805037624
Where Once There Was a Wood
Denise Fleming
This wonderful book is a treasure trove of ideas for inspiring environmental awareness among the young. The brief story is an ode of sorts to the memory of our disappearing wildlife and its habitat. Each word is carefully chosen to reflect the powerful feelings of loss felt by the author as she describes the beauty of the vanishing nature around us. The bold watercolor illustrations reflect this power, too. At the end of the book, the author includes a discussion of how each person can help provide the basic needs of wild creatures, and encourages youngsters to create an area near their home or school that nourishes the wildlife that is already there. Lists of trees, shrubs and plants that provide food and shelter, as well as suggestions for feeding stations are provided. Resources for developing further habitats and readings about nature are included. This book is an ideal beginning for an environmental project for kindergartners or first graders. 2000 (orig. 1995), Henry Holt, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1996; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1996; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1997; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
ISBN: 0-8050-3761-6
ISBN: 0-8050-6482-6
Updated 06/21/05
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If you’re interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.