Barbara Lavallee
While in Anchorage, I had lunch with Barbara Lavallee. What a treat to find out that my recent dinner companion Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee are friends. In 1986 she met Vicki Cobb while Vicki was doing a school visit. It was Vicki who took the initiative and suggested that they do something together. The result was the "Imagine Living Here" series of books-This Place is Cold, This Place is Dry, This Place is Crowded and several others. They have traveled together and that probably is reflected in their successful collaborations. In some ways their lives were a little alike--both eventually divorced their respective spouses. Barbara commented that Vicki wanted to marry again and spent the time and effort to make the perfect match, but Barbara did not have that same inclination.
Her other collaborations have been a little different. In the 1990s she went into business with her sons. Barbara bought a triplex for all of them, but as one can imagine in any family setting there were conflicts. The oldest son felt that he should be the boss (not surprising since, I am the eldest in my family and would have probably felt the same way). Barbara finally pulled the plug on the business. She did not pull the plug on her family, because as she said "her family is her number one priority" and she frequently babysits her grandson. He was four at the time of this interview and was "the love of her life." By now her daughter-in-law who was expecting a child last summer has undoubtedly given birth and so there is another grandchild who can enjoy time with a doting grandmother.
How did she come to this rather remote location? Her path into teaching and Alaska was due to serendipity-her husband arranged for her first job-the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school in Sitka was looking for an art teacher. However, she found the classroom confining and left the profession after five years to devote herself fulltime to art. It wasn't necessarily fine art. As Barbara put it "she did everything to make a buck." It ranged from painting a name on a dump truck to creating dough Christmas ornaments. (Now she does the initial designs and they are manufactured elsewhere, and she does still create her famous naked ladies and gives them as gifts.)
Barbara now lives in Anchorage and has a studio in her home. Although Barbara has a degree in fine art from Illinois' Wesleyan University, she never believed that she would make her living as an artist. It was a real treat to let her former instructors know of her success. Her big break in children's books came with Mama, Do You Love Me? It has appeared in several formats (picture book, board books and has been translated into fifteen languages.) To date it has sold more than one million copies. At the time we talked, she was working on Papa, Do You Love Me? and the goal was to have it ready for Father's Day 2005. She met that goal and the book is reviewed below.
Barbara likes to do one book at a time. Her medium is watercolor. She ships the originals to her publisher's office where the pictures are scanned and then the originals are returned. Barbara mentioned that artists are often asked for donations of their work for fundraising and other worthy causes. I learned that the artist can only attribute the cost of the materials used to create the work and not its market value. If you earn you living from your art-you obviously can't make too many of these donations no matter how worthy the cause.
It is a long trip to make, but if you ever have the opportunity to visit Alaska do stop by one of the galleries that feature Barbara's paintings. You might even get a chance to meet her. She has an outgoing personality and makes you immediately feel like you have known her for years. If you can't travel that far, then the next best thing is a visit to a virtual art gallery to see many of her works and perhaps you might want to add one to your collection. Visit http://www.annieandcojuneau.com/art/barbaralavallee/index.htm for a sampling of some of her delightful paintings.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
All You Need For a BeachAlice Schertle
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Are you dying to get to a beach? Have you forgotten what the sand between your toes feels like on a hot summer day? Or maybe you are a young reader and you have never been to a beach? Then this is the book for you! All you need for a beach is this charming, summer book filled with beautiful, soft, illustrations that give the true sense of sand between your toes. The repetition will have younger readers asking for the story again and again, until the text is memorized. The layout of the story is unique as words located at the bottom of each page prompt the reader to keep turning the page. However, the best part of the story is the toes that tickle in the waves. So, get going! All you need for a good beach book for young readers is this one! 2004, Harcourt Inc, $16.00. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-216755-2
All You Need For a Snowman
Alice Schertle
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
"One small snowflake fluttering down" is a very important ingredient in All You Need for a Snowman. Acclaimed poet Alice Schertle takes youngsters through all the steps, from shaping "three hand-packed, triple-stacked balls of snow" to finding the perfect hat and carrot nose. When the white stuff starts falling again, the kids get to go through the process one more time--making a snow friend for their first snow guy. Illustrator Barbara Lavallee creates a bevy of brightly dressed kids against a soft-washed, snow-softened background. The exuberant verse and colorful pictures will have youngsters planning their own sculptures as soon as the weather forecaster says "snow." 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 1 to 6. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
For children lucky enough to enjoy a good snowfall in the winter, this book will be a fun companion while they shape and create their very own snowmen. Children in the Southern Hemisphere will read this book with their imaginations in full gear as they see just how much goes into such a project. The watercolor artwork appropriately depicts how abstract snow can be, with colors fading into each other like a handful of snowflakes melting in a child's palm. The dream-like pictures show children working together to build a giant snowman. Even the text placement has a playful side, as it leads the reader's eyes from line to line across one page and into the next. The words have a lyrical quality, rhyming only briefly before continuing to flow into a graceful rhythm. So what do you need to build a snowman? The author answers this question throughout, giving little bits at a time, then leading the reader on with the word "except," which tempts you to turn the page and find out what it takes. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 2003; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 21, 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 2003 United States
ISBN: 0-15-200789-X
The Gift
Kristine L. Franklin; illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Although fishing is Jimmy Joe's passion, in this story of nature and wonder, he learns that the world can hold even more promise than that. Jimmy Joe sets out with the village Fish Woman to catch a prize salmon. His excitement and anticipation is palpable. But once the fish is hooked and brought on board, he is hardly elated. All at once, nine magnificent whales surround the tiny fishing boat. The Fish Woman welcomes them. An awed Jimmy Joe asks her why they have come. When the boy learns that they are hungry, he knows exactly what to do. Jimmy Joe and the Fish Woman offer the salmon, which is taken with a gulp before they speed away. The boy asks Fish Woman to bring back the whales, but she tells him that their appearance is a gift over which she has no control. Jimmy Joe knows that this gift is better than fishing and better even than catching a prize salmon. 1999, Chronicle Books, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8118-0447-X
Groucho's Eyebrows
Tricia Brown
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Kristie is delighted to receive a fluffy white kitten with funny black eyebrows. She named him Groucho after a famous man who made people laugh. Kristie dresses Groucho up and takes him for rides in a doll stroller. She wraps him around her neck and cuddles with him. They even play a game of hide-and-seek in the snowy outdoors. Groucho is Nanook, the polar bear, and Kristie is an Artic tracker. But the game becomes serious when the kitten slips out the door into the snowy wilderness. The devastated child follows tracks in the snow that lead to other animals, but not her beloved Groucho. How can she possibly find a snowy white cat in the winter woods? The heartwarming tale comes to a satisfying conclusion as the clever child focuses on her cat's distinctive feature. Based on a real snowy white cat named Groucho, the story is beautifully illustrated. Soft breezy watercolors spill across the pages and capture the loving emotions and wintry scenes. 2003, Alaska Northwest Books/Graphics Arts Center Publishing, $15.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88240-556-X
Mama, Do You Love Me?
Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
The mother in this book portrays healthy unconditional love and acceptance and the bond she has with her child is respectful, honest and reassuring. Although it has an Arctic setting, it shows an appreciation for both the differences of culture and the universality of mother's love. The colors are vivid, the range of emotions broad, the wordplay rhythmic and the message honest. When Dear One, the child, asks "What if I put salmon in your parka, ermine in your mittens, and lemmings in your mukluks?" her mother answers: "Then I would be angry...but still I would love you." This repeated question-answer format shows a typical, playful, and fully conscious dialogue of love between a child and mother. 1991, Chronicle Books, $14.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
This book is set in the Arctic and is a love story between an Inuit mother and child. Mama tells her little one just how much she is loved by comparing her to the animals who love things dear to them. "I love you more than...the dog loves his tail, more than the whale loves his spout." The vibrant watercolor paintings of images of animals and patterns common in the far north are stunning. An excellent glossary of all the animals mentioned is included. A terrific gift book. 1991, Chronicle Books, $14.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Fighting Bigotry with Books, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, 1994; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 1999; Children's Book Council; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1992 Picture Books United States
The Golden Kite Award Winner 1991 Picture Illustration United States
National Association of Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Winner 1991 United States
ISBN: 087701759X
¿Me Quieres, Mamá?
Barbara M. Jooss
Illustrations by Barbara Lavallee
Translated by Diego Lasconi
Published first in English in 1991,¿Me quieres, mama? appears now in Spanish. It is a multi-faceted exploration into the nature of a mother's love. The story begins with a daughter asking her mother, "Mama, do you love me?" This mother declares that she loves her child more than a crow loves his treasure, more than a dog loves his tail, and more than a whale loves his water spout. The child's questions don't end there, and the author takes us on a journey of the imagination to the moon and stars, through icy waters and caves, and back home again. A mother's love is endless, but as the child finds out, a loving mother can also be disappointed, angry, worried, surprised, and afraid. This book also takes the reader on a journey into the world of Inuit culture. The detailed and fluid illustrations reveal aspects of the Inuit way of life. Upon a snowy backdrop the reader meets an ox, a walrus, polar bears, and lemmings. Within icy waters a mother paddles her daughter in a canoe called a umiak. Both mother and daughter are clad in colorful dresses, parkas, and seal skin boots. Even though the Inuit context might be unfamiliar, the illustrations are soft and inviting and work well with the author's universal message and the keen Spanish translation. Reviewer: 2004, Chronicle Books, $6.95. Ages 3 mo. to 6.Michelle Negron Bueno (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8118-4341-6
Papa, Do You Love Me?
Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
It is interesting that the companion book to Mama, Do You Love Me? (over one million copies sold in 15 languages!) is set in a climate and culture that is so totally different from the cold land of the Inuit. Author and illustrator take us to the hot lands of Africa and the Maasai culture in particular. As with the other text, this one also captures the universal love between a parent and child. However, in this book it is the father. The beautiful endpapers with the Maasai shields on a stark blue background immediately draw attention. Lavallee has used a warm pallet to indicate the climate and also the bright colors of the clothing and jewelry that the Maasai wear. The young boy questions his father as he tests the lengths to which his parent would go to care for and protect him. His father always answers with a positive and encouraging message and refers to his son as his "Tender Heart." The closing pages provide a glossary which explain terms and a bit more about the Maasai culture. 2005, Chronicle, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8118-4265-7
This Place Is Wet: The Brazilian Rain Forest
Vicki Cobb
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Part of the "Imagine Living Here Series" of full-color geography books by an award winning author. It is a nonfiction book that takes young readers around the world. In this trip to the Brazilian rain forests, readers pick up fascinating facts and enjoy lively, captivating illustrations that focus on the land, ecology, people and animals. The need for ecological balance is clearly presented. 1989, Walker, $12.95, $13.85 and $6.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8027-6880-6
ISBN: 0-8027-6881-4
This Place Is Wild: East Africa
Vicki Cobb
Illustrations by Barbara Lavallee
To put together the publisher's "Imagine Living Here" series (other titles include This Place Is Cold: Alaska; and This Place is Wet: The Brazilian Rain Forest), Cobb and Lavallee actually travelled to different parts of the world so that their readers might do likewise in the pages of the books. Here the text and cheerful, detailed illustrations take us on an exploratory journey in East Africa. We meet lions, primates, gorillas, and more. We peek into a traditional Masai community. We get a glimpse of a past in which game and the hunting of it dominated European contact with this region of the world. 1998, Walker, $15.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-80278-632-4
ISBN: 0-80278-633-2
Uno, Dos, Tres / One, Two, Three
Pat Mora
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Two girls parade through the marketplace, buying gifts for Mama's birthday. The book serves as a bilingual counting book while also displaying the joy and color of a busy Mexican market. Watercolor illustrations with many Aztec and traditional Mexican motifs depict the hustle and bustle with charm. 1996, Clarion, $14.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award Nominee 1996 United States
ISBN: 0-395-67294-5
ISBN: 0-618-05468-5
Added 04/28/05
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