Mary GrandPré
The magic of Harry Potter has taken sales of Rowling's books to new and glorious heights. The very attractive covers and illustrations are the work of children's book illustrator Mary Grand Pré. Although she has only been in the children's book world for about nine years, Mary has spent nearly two decades as a freelance illustrator. She was one of the conceptual designers for the popular movie Antz which required rethinking to see the world from an ant's perspective.
Chin Yu Min, written by Jennifer Armstrong (1993, Crown, Ages 5 to 9, $5.99), was her first book, and for those familiar with it, Mary's truly distinctive style is evident. According to our reviewer, the paintings in this hauntingly beautiful book look like silk. Actually her medium is pastel. Her pieces are usually a little larger than the planned book, and when reduced, they have a smoother look. Mary said she really connected with the character and that made for a better book.
Her work is creative in that she doesn't do extensive research. Mary likes to play with the design and type style in her books as in The Thread of Life: Twelve Old Italian Tales (1995, Crown, Ages 8 up, $20.00) and loves to make things up in the pictures. In this way she brings a new dimension to the story. For Pockets, also by Armstrong (1998, Crown, Ages 8 up, $17.00), faraway places-buccaneers, golden cities, sea serpents, lovely dances-are captured in glowing warmth with remarkable illustrations and lush colors, according to our reviewer. Mary also likes to vary the perspectives as demonstrated in the expressionistic scenes in this book.
The House of Wisdom (1999, DK Ink, Ages 10 up, $16.95) written by Florence Heide and Judith Gilliland is one of Mary's most recent books. Since it is a true story set in Baghdad in 600 AD, Mary did have to undertake a bit of research in this case. She really wanted to get the architecture right. Mary found that she didn't bond with the character, but the story was rich enough to keep her interested. The type blocks, for example, are based on what she had seen in books of the period, but her faces still have the distinctive chiseled look. The pastel illustrations are rich in detail and ably reveal the hero's final understanding of the magic found in the written word.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
To view more of Mary GrandPré's artwork, visit her website at www.marygrandpre.com.
Reviews
Aunt Claire's Yellow Beehive Hair
Deborah Blumenthal
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré
This lovingly written picture book is a tribute to the extended family (and to scrapbooking). Young Annie loves it when the whole family gets together to eat and ends up reminiscing. One rainy day, she and Grandma Marilyn decide to make the reminiscing official, and they gather together memorabilia to use as props for fueling their memories. The memories they share are a realistic assortment of everyday, bombastic, sad, happy and bittersweet memories. The family characters are equally holistically portrayed. This is a beautiful book, warmly illustrated by the illustrator of many other picture books and the Harry Potter books. It is a tribute to the past and an acknowledgement of the past as a bridge to the future. A book for families to read together. 2001, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Winter 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-2509-4
Batwings and the Curtain of Night
Marguerite Davol
Illustrations by Mary GrandPre
Bats are downright heroic in this retelling of a creation myth in which the Mother of All Things weaves a curtain to separate night from day. Unfortunately, the curtain is so dark and thick that the night creatures--coyote, owl, panther, and bats--cannot see to roam or hunt. Though the bats and owl seek to fly high and draw back the curtain, they are unsuccessful. Fluttering back to earth, though, the animals notice an amazing difference in the sky. Where each claw had tugged a "glitter of light" appeared. In this way, the stars and moon were created. The illustrations, with their dramatic use of light, are a perfect accompaniment to this lyrical story. 1997, Orchard, Ages 3 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Literature is stuffed with fascinating myths inherited from hundreds of peoples and most are unknown to our kids. Why, then, do we need to devise "original myths"-surely that's an oxymoron? Davol's idea of bats and an owl that pierced the curtain of night to create light from winking stars and the moon is attractive, but it lacks the deeper significance of myths long connected to recognized cultures--myths we wish our children knew. GrandPré's art is just delicious, of course. 1997, Orchard, Ages 3 up, $15.95 and 16.99. Reviewer: Joan Carris
ISBN: 0-531-30005-6
ISBN: 0-531-33005-2
Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat
Jenifer Armstrong
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré
The proud and haughty widow Chin Yu Min learns happiness and humility through her friendship with a mysterious ginger cat in this dramatically illustrated folktale. The illustrations are strong and have a strange look, but are appealing. 1996 (orig. 1993), Crown, Ages 4 up, $15.00, $15.99, and $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Set in a village near Kunming, China, this is a tale of friendship. When Chin Yu Min's husband dies suddenly, she is soon reduced to poverty. Her pride won't allow her to get help from her neighbors. Everything changes from the time she meets the ginger cat who catches so much fish for her that she regains her wealth selling fish to the villagers. The cat becomes her best friend and when he disappears, her life loses meaning. Beautifully told with painting that look like they are made of silk make this a hauntingly beautiful book. 1996, Crown, Ages 4 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-517-58656-8
ISBN: 0-517-58657-6
ISBN: 0-517-88549-2
J.K. Rowling
Illustrator Mary Grandpré
In this eagerly awaited sequel to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter returns for his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after surviving a dreadful summer with his muggle/human relatives the Dursleys. Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, confronts another mystery involving an evil force emanating from a chamber of secrets below the school. Clues include a flying car, a book written in invisible ink that takes Harry into the past, and a ghost in a bathroom. To solve the mystery and save the school from closure and Hagrid from jail, Harry must confront his long feared nemesis Voldemort. Children and adults alike will revel in this splendid continuation of Harry Potter's adventures. 1999, Scholastic, Ages 9 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
J.K. Rowling
Illustrations by Mary GrandPré
Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione return for their fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year promises to be special, for the school plans to resurrect the tradition of the Triwizards Tournament, pitting the best Hogwarts student against foes from two other schools, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. It is no surprise to Harry Potter fans that Harry gets tangled up in the competition. This year at school is different also because the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye Moody, actually seems to know his subject. Will he last, or will he meet an ignominious end as have all his predecessors? As with the first three books in the series, there is much skulking through the halls at night, bending rules somewhat and general schoolboy mischief. There is also chivalry, team spirit, hero worship and puppy love. What is new to this entry in the series is its sheer weight--Rowling's mastery of storytelling is evident since her fans think nothing of lugging this 734-page tome about on family vacations. The story also turns much more macabre as Harry's archenemy, Lord Voldemort, regains some of his former power. The imagery is vivid and somewhat disturbing and could easily lead to a few nights' restless sleep. Another riveting read by Rowling. 2000, Scholastic, $25.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, 2000; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, August 2000; United States
Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2000; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2000; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 2000; Cahners; United States
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 2000; Smithsonian; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2002 ; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Middle Grade Readers United States
The Golden Archer Award Winner 2002 Middle/Junior High Wisconsin
Indian Paintbrush Book Award Winner 2002 Wyoming
Soaring Eagle Book Award 1st Runner Up 2003 Young Adult Wyoming
Soaring Eagle Book Award 1st Runner-up 2003 Grades 7-12 Wyoming
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Wyoming
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
ISBN: 0-439-13959-7
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
Illustrations by Mary GrandPré
In the fifth entry in this series, an angst-ridden Harry Potter must face new challenges and a deepening of the mystery surrounding Voldemort and the death of his parents. At the beginning of the book, the wizarding world remains divided on the question of whether or not Voldemort has regained his power. Harry finds himself unhappily spending the summer at Privet Drive with his annoying aunt and uncle, cut off from all communication with his friends. After he is forced to fight off two Dementors attacking him and his cousin Dursley, he is brought to a safehouse being occupied by members of the Order of the Phoenix, a collection of witches and wizards determined to defeat Voldemort. The house belonged to Sirius Black's parents and is also home to a motley collection of rather dark creatures including an angry house elf who once belonged to Sirius's mother. These creatures, once again, demonstrate Rowlings' powerful imagination. Immediately in trouble with the Ministry for his underage use of magic in fighting off the Dementors, Harry's problems just get worse when he returns to Hogwarts. There is a new professor there, the despicable Dolores Umbridge, to whom the Ministry has given extreme powers to control the faculty and students. She clearly wants to control Harry most of all. Harry responds to many of the problems he encounters with anger, and spends a good deal of time feeling alienated and sorry for himself. This is, no doubt, a true reflection of common teen behavior, but can get rather annoying. Some readers may also be put off by Harry's romantic interest in a rather insipid fellow student. Fortunately, as the extremely exciting climax heats up, Harry seems to find his stride. The conclusion brings just a bit more explanation from Dumbledore about Harry's past (and future), leaving readers primed and eager for the next offering. As Harry grows up in this story, he realizes that many of the people he most admires are less heroic than he once believed, adding a new depth to the series. Although longer, and a bit "darker" than previous volumes, younger readers will probably not be disturbed by the content. Even the death of a major character is understated. This is a thrilling read. Those who enjoyed the previous books are not likely to be disappointed, and Rowling will probably add even more Potter fans with the publication of this volume. 2003, Scholastic Press, $29.99. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Leslie Rounds (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2004; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
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
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2004; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, June 30, 2003; Cahners; United States
Top 10 Fantasy Books for Youth, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Golden Archer Award Winner 2005 Middle/Junior High Wisconsin
Teen' Top Ten List Winner 2004 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Colorado Blue Spruce Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Colorado
The Golder Archer Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Middle/Junior High; Wisconsin
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming Teens' Top Ten List, 2004; Nominee; United States
ISBN: 0-439-35806-X
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
Illustrator Mary Grandpré
This book is as daring and thrilling as any fantasy can be. Harry must confront the evil wizard responsible for his parent's death. Foes may wear disguises and appear harmless. Harry, with help from his friends, must use all his wits to discover the truth. In between quidditch games, studying, and coping with being an emerging teen, Harry has to battle the forces out to end his life. This third book flies by with breath-taking adventures and in-depth character development that helps us understand the complex cast with greater appreciation. I'm panting for Book Four. 1999, Scholastic, Ages 9 up, $19.95.
Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
Illustrator Mary Grandpré
An instant classic, this author has been compared to C. S. Lewis and Roald Dahl. I was skeptical, but now a believer; I can't wait to read the sequel. Harry Potter is orphaned as an infant and goes to live with relatives who treat him miserably. At ten, he receives word (via carrier owl) that he has been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Only then he learns that his parents were famous witches, killed by a fellow witch who was drawn to the black arts. The fact that Harry survived the attack on his parents made him a celebrity among witches. At Hogwarts, in an environment where he is accepted and appreciated, Harry thrives. He is even a star player on the quidditch team, scoring points while riding his broom. But all is not well at Hogwarts, and Harry soon discovers a terrible secret about a hidden treasure. The characters and flow of events are beautifully crafted to entice both young and old. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
Henry and Pawl
Story and pictures by Mary GrandPré and Tom Casmer
Henry and his dog Pawl have always loved each other. Pawl also loves his yellow ball. Henry's other love is making pictures. He is thrilled on his birthday to receive the Mighty Masters Art Kit. He is sure he will make great pictures with it, but he is not pleased with his initial results and sets out to find something special to draw. Unfortunately, he loses Pawl's ball along the way, and Pawl is desolate. Henry uses his art kit to make ads for the lost ball, which--luckily--are finally successful. Henry is then happily busy painting, while Pawl is happy with his beloved ball. The lively mixed-media illustrations are solidly comic, filled with enough details of place to keep us looking, first to follow the adventures and then to examine how the art spices up the narrative. The double-page picture of Henry's nightmare during his "picture block" shows him contemplating a desert, oversize paintbrush in hand, a perfect metaphor for his feelings. That is quite a contrast with his dream of delight thinking of the wonders he can create with the art kit. Perhaps this title will encourage aspiring artists to keep working. 2005, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8037-2784-4
The House of Wisdom
Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland
Illustrations by Mary Grandpré
Gorgeous pastel illustrations in rich colors are what immediately draw attention to this book. As if this wasn't enough, the text begins to work its own magic as it conjures up a time "when ideas brush against one another and sparks fly and ignite other ideas." This account of a true story that took place a century ago in Baghdad is told in such a captivating way that it is almost overwhelming. As the young hero matures and begins his search for knowledge, readers will follow along eagerly. Cultures of long ago and faraway lands are introduced, making this book a wonderful addition to the history and geography curriculum. It truly is a treasure. 1999, DK Publishing, Ages 9 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Carol Lynch
ISBN: 0-7894-2562-9
Pockets
Jennifer Armstrong
Illustrations by Mary GrandPre
Pockets is the story of a mysterious seamstress whose rich embroidery inside the pockets of the plain clothes people sews new hope and transforms their lives. Sad and melancholy, the seamstress arrives on the village shore, alone, unable to answer questions about her home. She offers to work in return for a safe haven. She knows patterns and stitches for grand capes and virago sleeves, but the people of the village insist on the simplest dress, no ribbons, no fancy work, no embroideries. Because her heart was broken, the seamstress agrees. Still she longs for sunny spots and so she turns the pockets inside out and proceeds to embroider. She stitches faraway places,buccaneers, golden cities, sea serpents, lovely dances, captured in glowing warmth with remarkable illustrations and lush colors. A husband and wife fall in love again, bright flags appear on the roofs, and dances are held. Her heart complete, our mysterious seamstress returns home. Painted with rolling, expressionistic scenes, this story takes delight in the imagination. An absolute treasure! 1998, Crown, Ages 8 to 13, $17.00. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels
ISBN: 0-517-70926-0
The Purple Snerd
Rozanne Lanczak Williams
Illustrated by Mary Grandpré
Fern encounters an imaginary friend whom she calls a Snerd. This is a very special Purple Snerd, who spends the day sharing adventures with Fern. The rhyming text is accompanied by the delightful artwork of Grandpré. Fern is an engaging little redhead and the hairy Purple Snerd is quite imaginative. The introduction describes the levels in the "Green Light Reader" series and provides some helpful tips to those working with kids. There is also a very brief blurb and photo of the illustrator. A Level 2 book. 2000, Harcourt, Ages 6 to 8, $10.95 and $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-15-202654-1
ISBN: 0-15-202661-4
The Sea Chest
Toni Buzzeo
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré
Based on a legend about the Hendricks Head Lighthouse, this beautiful book tells the story of a lighthouse family that, after weathering a terrible storm, find a chest washed up on the shore. Inside is a beautiful baby girl with the note, "We commit this child into the hands of God. May He save her. Captain and Mrs. Donald Warren." Maita, the girl who lives at the lighthouse, falls in love with her new little sister and calls her Seaborne and they enjoy a wonderful upbringing together on their island home. The prose is just breathtaking in its description of their lives--"I taught her how to gently probe for eggs in the dimness under the porch. We took turns circling double yolk days..." The story is told in retrospect by an aged Maita to her great niece as she waits for her parents to bring her brand new sister home from somewhere across the Atlantic. The oil paintings by Mary GrandPre (best known for her wonderful Harry Potter illustrations; and why in the world when they put Harry P. on all kinds of merchandise they didn't stick with her pictures, I'll never know), draw you into the book from page one. Her close-up portrait of little Seaborne when they first find her will bring a tear to your eye. A heartwarming family and adoption tale. 2002, Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Levin (Children's Literature).
Based on legend, this story tells of a baby washed ashore in a sea chest after a storm off the Maine coast. As the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, Maita leads a quiet, secluded and nearly solitary life gardening with her mother, accompanying her father on his rounds, and reading curled up in a quilt by the fire. But a huge storm nearly blows out the windows and in the quiet that follows the next day, she and her father find the baby and raise it. The story is framed by Great-Aunt Maita telling of the girl's great-grandmother Seaborne's arrival while the pair wait for "the tiny stranger my mama and papa have gone to fetch from so far across the wide Atlantic--to be my sister." It is an adoption story, but so cleverly hidden that the reader might miss it the first time around. GrandPre's luminous and lush oil paintings depict the lighthouse and its inhabitants in swirls of color while the text appears as if on old parchment edged with wear. Buzzeo's poetic text suits the dreamlike memory of someone who remembers the sensory aspects of her childhood as strongly as she remembers the events. An author's note suggests that the story arose from a 1900 novel and was later picked up as fact, but no one knows for sure. It is a neat story, nonetheless, well told and prettily illustrated. 2002, Dial, $16.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (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
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Children's Crown Gallery Award Winner 2005 United States
Lupine Award Honor Book 2002 United States
Time of Wonder Award Recommended 2002 Maine
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Children's Crown Gallery Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-2; United States
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Picture Book; Indiana
ISBN: 0-8037-2703-8
Updated 2005
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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.