Picture Books: Artists to Artists

1. Bibliographic data :

Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art. Illustrations by Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Jane Dyer, Steven Kellogg, and many more. Philomel Books, New York, 2007 ISBN13- 9780399246005

2. Brief plot summary:

In order to connect with young artist, many renowned illustrators have taken a moment to describe their start as an artist as well as how they were inspired. With each illustrator, there are pictures of them growing up, and many of their early works.

3. Critical analysis:
Artist to Artist is a great blend of background information of some of the renowned illustrators, and the pictures that they loved to draw. Not only did they write letter to the reader, they invited them in to the place that inspire them. With each letter, the artists drew a self-portrait that symbolizes who they are.
For a student who loves art, this is the perfect inspiration for them. Each illustrator has a different experience for students to draw from, as well as different techniques. Looking through the different illustrations, I could not believe all the creativity flowing through the pages.

4. Review excerpt(s):
School Library Journal "...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures. "

5. Connections:
In Art class, I would have students look through this book and see which artists they connect the most with. I would also have them write their own bios and inspirations, for future students. Then we could make a class “Artists to Artists book.
In order for them to connect the artists they favor the most, I would have them choose that author and read as many of their books as they can get their hands on. Then makes connections between the different books and the illustrations.