  | Hi, I'm Norman : the story of American illustrator Norman Rockwell Author: Burleigh, Robert | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Iconic American artist Norman Rockwell's life is told in episodes based in American history of the late 20th century.
| Illustrator: | Minor, Wendell |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 4.60 Points: .5 Quiz: 507057 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/15/19)
School Library Journal (11/01/19)
Booklist (09/01/19)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2019 “Hi,” says the artist, paintbrushes in hand, peering genially out at the reader from the center of his studio, “I’m Norman. Norman Rockwell. Come on in.” In Burleigh’s straightforward first-person narration, Norman speaks directly to the reader, telling them the story of his life and career. He first drew at the kitchen table while his father read to him, drew the world he saw around him in chalk on the sidewalks, and eventually went to art school. Though he preferred to capture the pleasant aspects of daily life, when times of hardship came—notably, WWII and the civil rights movement—he felt compelled to take action through art. Back matter includes a gallery of reproductions of some of Rockwell’s paintings, and both Burleigh and Minor contribute notes about their processes; in his illustrator’s note, Minor discusses how he took his own approach in recreating Rockwell’s work in the illustrations instead of trying to emulate his style. His soft touch and muted colors evoke Rockwell’s art and time period in this inviting biography. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 K-Gr 2—Unlike other biographies narrated in the first person, this engaging book about artist Norman Rockwell asks questions and forms a solid connection between reader and narrator. Burleigh chronicles Rockwell's life in snapshots that correspond with different events in American history; for instance, the author asks, "What is an artist to do when war comes?" and responds by detailing the history of The Four Freedoms, one of Rockwell's most famous works, based on a speech given by Franklin Roosevelt during World War II. Though rendered in Minor's style, the illustrations mimic Rockwell's work. VERDICT This important addition to biography collections is aimed at young readers with little to no knowledge of the artist. It will interest and hopefully inspire early elementary students who love art.—Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
