June 1, 2016
Gr 8 Up-Anyone familiar with children's literature knows the work of Michael Foreman. His luminous watercolors grace numerous collections of folktales and fairy tales, classics, and his own autobiographical works. This title falls into the latter camp, presenting an overview of his life and art as it relates to his early memories, the people and places he has known, and his collaborators, many of them great friends. Foreman's early years, surrounded by storytellers in wartime England (his mum had a shop, and locals regaled the neighborhood kids with tales), were formative. Throughout the book, he refers back to this time in his life, as well as his extensive travels, which often served as inspiration for his art. The book includes pages of watercolors (as well as quotes) from some of his best-known works, including the autobiographical War Boy, War Games, and After the War; classics such as J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, and Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland; and Terry Jones's story collections, among others. Both Foreman's development as an artist and the influence of the places he has been are visible in these abundant full- and half-page, quality reproductions. Foreman's love of story (which conveys our "deepest wishes and fears"), his artistic decisions, and his inspirations (then and now) are all here. VERDICT While covering some familiar ground, this selection will be of interest to young fans of Foreman, and students of art and children's literature. Consider it also for professional collections.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal
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