Evil Genius

Review: Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks

496 pages

Age suggestion: Middle school and up

Gender suggestion: Boys will like this more than girls

Recommendation: Mixed

I read this book back in October, but I haven't been sure what to say about it. It's definitely popular right now, and it is a good read. But here's my problem with it: there is not a single redeeming adult character in the whole book. Instead, the adults are corrupt, morally bankrupt, or absent. Sure, there are plenty of books out there in which adults are largely absent or ineffectual--that's okay--children feel that way about adults, no doubt. But books in which adults are actively evil and with no good counterpoint leave a bad taste in my mouth.

So, I will not fully endorse this book. However, I will admit it is well written and kids will probably enjoy reading it.

Bryan Collier

Sometimes you stumble across an artist who is doing what you want to be doing, but doing it so well, it makes your teeth hurt. That's how I felt on the third floor of the Multnomah Public Library's Central Branch on Tuesday, when I found myself in the middle of an exhibition of works by Bryan Collier.The exhibit featured originals of his children's book illustrations: large, mixed-media collages featuring water color, pen and ink drawing, and an amazing sense of color.

Collier has illustrated children's books about John Lennon, Langston Hughes, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King. I loved seeing the collages up close, being able to distinguish between each section of torn and assembled paper. If you get a chance to see this exhibit, do it!

Here's a link to a website for the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature: www.nccil.org. Here you can find more information about Bryan Collier and see more images from the exhibit.

Peak

Review: Peak by Roland Smith
Age suggestion: Upper elementary and middle school
Gender suggestion: Both boys and girls will like this book
Recommended: Yes

Wow, it's been forever since I posted on this blog! Shame on me. Anyway, I just read a fun book, clearly geared toward boys, called Peak by Roland Smith. It's about a 14 year old boy who gets a chance to climb Mount Everest. I'm kind of a Mount Everest freak--I read John Krakauer's book Into Thin Air at least 3 times, and I've read several other books about that same disastrous climbing season. I've also seen all the movies and documentaries about it. This book, Peak, uses some very accurate climbing detail in the context of an engaging story with interesting characters, a likable protagonist, good writing. Suggested age group--middle school.

What a Feeling!

How can I describe the way I felt when I laid eyes on these two books in the Uufda used bookstore in John Day, Oregon?

It was like I'd been living in house for 30 years and suddenly opened a door I'd forgotten even existed.

That's what I love about illustration and image--they can take you back instantly! To somewhere you'd forgotten you'd ever been. And suddenly a whole world opens up. Which brings us to Meg. I forgot this series even existed, but when I saw these two books, I remembered that I'd read them both and had been an avid reader of the Meg--wait for it--Duncan series of mysteries. Yes, my son is named Duncan. Coincidence? Anyway, I bought both books to reread myself. You can't have them. At least not yet.

Q: When is a Gas Station Not a Gas Station?

A: When it is a bookstore.

This nondescript little gas station in remote John Day, Oregon, site of my latest research expedition, happened to house a treasure trove of old children's books. I was in heaven. I walked out of there with over $50 in used stuff. I'll write about some of it here.

Back from San Jose

Here's a lovely illustration by Jessie Wilcox Smith, one of the images I used to talk about the golden age of illustration during my presentation in San Jose. Tiffany's class enjoyed the talk, and so did I.

Trip to San Jose

Illustration for The Tyger by William Blake

Tiffany graciously invited me to speak to her class about the art of children's book illustration. I'll be giving a three part talk covering: illustration styles since 1900, the relationship between the illustrator, author, and reader, and current trends in illustration. Once I've finished the talk, I'll post it here on the blog.