ANNOTATION

In this autobiographical account an author and illustrator of children's books shares his life, daily activities, and creative process, and shows how all are intertwined.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Susan Hepler

Frank Asch, the popular author/illustrator of the "Moon Bear" and "Little Bird" books thought about becoming an artist when his high school art teacher created a one-man show of his paintings and drawings on the bulletin board as a surprise. In this entry in the "Meet the Author" series, Asch tells how he grew into his occupation while creating a children's theater troupe called "The Belly Buttons," became a parent, home-schooled his children, worked collaboratively with Vladimir Vagan, and thought about book ideas. He discusses how he gets his ideas, what he does when he is stuck. His wife's candid and colorful pictures show the many facets of artwork in process as well as his work with children. It is a fine addition to the elementary school teaching shelf and one that gives children insight into the creative process of one very popular author/illustrator. 1997, Richard C. Owen Publishers,

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4Three authors invite readers into their homes and workplaces, introduce their families and pets, and even offer a look through their family albums. In first-person narratives, they confide childhood dreams and fears and remember their early sources of inspiration. Their revelations are delightful: Asch pays homage to his boyhood hero, Roy Rogers, and shares a wonderful picture of himself with Roy in later years; McKissack describes listening as a child to storytellers in her own family and later telling her own stories to school classes; Pringle shows a journal of bird life with pictures he drew over 40 years ago. Each voice is different and individual personalities come through. The format is ideal for the intended audience, with plenty of white space between lines, wide margins, and appropriate vocabulary. Excellent, recent, full-color photos and/or old black-and-white pictures appear on every page. These autobiographies will entertain and inspire young readers.Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL