Module 1 Book Reviews: Nonfiction Picture Book

Side by Side by Leonard S. Marcus

1. Bibliography
Marcus, Leonard S. 2001. SIDE BY SIDE. New York, NY: Walker Publishing Company. ISBN 0-8027-8778-9

2. PlotSummary

Marcus explores the dynamic relationships between author and illustrator that result in the creation of five different picture books. Sketches and reprints of the illustrations from the selected picture books are included.

3. Critical Analysis

This book is appropriate for grade 3 and up. For a nonfiction account of the creation of picture books, this story easily portrays the events in an endearing manner, truly drawing the reader in to the emotional interests of the authors and illustrators. Marcus' work explains to the reader why, not just how. His selection of authors and illustrators is well-rounded - including works of men, women, fiction, and non-fiction.

One of the best points of this book is the inclusion of the sketches the artists drew when first developing ideas for the illustrations. Understanding how the illustrations look in the beginning are the key to understanding that art is a process and involves much more than the end product on glossy pages.

4. Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (47 no. 11) "Even those who have not seen some of the featured books will be engaged by the creativity and cooperation exhibited here." BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS (55 no. 7) "There are also plenty of insights about the process of collaboration, which may inspire readers to their own creative teamwork." THE HORN BOOK (v. 78 no. 1) "provides unusual insight into the topic of artistic partnerships..."

5. Connections

After reading about the wonderful results of the collaborations between these authors and illustrators readers may be anxious to read the actual books and analyze the illustrations with new light.

Cole, Joanna. THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS AND THE FIVE SENSES. ISBN 0590446975 Lester, Julius. SAM AND THE TIGERS. ISBN 0803720289 Provensen, Alice and Martin. THE GLORIOUS FLIGHT: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot. ISBN: 0670342599 Scieszka, Jon and Lane Smith. THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES. ISBN: 067084487x Yorinks, Arthur. LOUIS THE FISH. ISBN: 0374346585