Talking with Artists. Vol. 2: Conversations with Thomas B. Allen, Mary Jane Begin, Floyd Cooper, Julie Downing, Denise Fleming, Sheila Hamanaka, Kevin Jenkes, William Joyce, Maira Kalman, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Brian Pinkney, Vera B. Williams and David Wisniewski

,.

Children's book illustrators discuss their story and
their craft.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:  

Cummings, Pat. Talking with artists. Volume two: conversations with Thomas B. Allen, Mary Jane Begin, Floyd Cooper, Julie Downing, Denise Fleming, Sheila Hamanaka, Kevin Henkes, William Joyce, Maira Kalman, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Brian Pinkney, Vera B. Williams and David Wisniewski. 1st ed. 2, Pat Cummings. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1995.
ISBN 0689803109

PLOT SUMMARY:    

Each artist gives their (my) story then eight simple questions are asked. The same eight questions are asked to each artists:

1. Where do you get your ideas from?
2. What is a normal day like for you?
3. Where do you work?
4. Do you have any children? Any pets?
5. What do you enjoy drawing the most?
6. Do you ever put people you know in the pictures?
7. What do you use to make your pictures?
8. How did you get to do your first book?

There are two pictures of each artist -- a picture from their younger years and a recent picture. There are also pictures of first sketches, preferred work place(s), and recent works.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The manner and format in which Pat Cummings presents the interviews and information is simple, straight-forward, and informative. Each picture chosen for the book, whether it is of the artist (two per person -- youth and older), their favorite work space, first creation or more recent work, is for a specific purpose. The eight questions asked are similar to what kids would ask out of curiosity. All answers are direct, honest, and respectful.

REVIEW EXCERPT:

Horn Book Guide, 1995: "A baker's dozen of contemporary illustrators for children are included in the handsomely produced sequel to Cummings's initial volume of conversations with artists. Each succinct autobiographical sketch is followed by a series of questions and answers addressing a variety of subjects. Illustrating the book are photographs of each artist as a child and as an adult and reproductions of artwork -- from the artist's childhood and from published books."

AWARDS:

Children's Choice, 1996

Notable Children's Books, 1996

CONNECTIONS:

* Discuss different art techniques
* Children bring in two favorite pictures -- one younger and
   one current
* Choose an author profiled in this book or Pat Cummings - read
   one of their books