Carle is one of the most beloved illustrators of children's books. This retrospective is more than just an appreciation of his art, however. The book also contains an insightful autobiography illustrated with personal photographs, an anecdotal essay by his longtime editor, a photographic essay on how Carle creates his collages, and writings by Carle and his colleagues. Still, it is the artwork in the oversize volume that seizes the imagination. More than 60 of his full-color collage pictures are handsomely reproduced and serve as a statement of Carle's impressive talent. - Booklist
Reviews with the most likes.
I feel like the introduction beautifully summarized many of the reasons his children's book art has struck me as an adult.
Bio by Eric Carle, especially about his time in Germany covering WW2, the many sides of Germany, the heartbreak of war experienced by civilians and soldiers, no matter where they live.
The magic of a young artistically inclined person being encouraged by those around them.
The tragedy of strict school/corporal punishment, the understandable escape found in nature, especially sweetened with early memories shared with his father, of better times.
From two editors, sections that convey their love for his books, going into why they are so successful, and how much they enjoyed working with him.
The Japanese museum curator talking about colour, art influences and the sweet little dog anecdote, might be my favourite.
I feel like the reproduced speech holds alot of elements in common with the bio presented earlier in the book.
Absolutely fascinated at the peeks into the creative and technical process of art for picture books, even seeing the process to turn white tissue paper into layered colour that can be then cut out to shape images, I'm still in awe of the talent for shaping, the intuitive sense (of play?) combined with art knowledge that provides such richly varied colourations within each tissue paper sheet, that then adds such depth to the resultant collage illustratons.
Appreciate the bibliography at the end showing each book cover in full colour, it matches the spirit of the book.
