Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White, written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2016. $26.50 ages 8 and up

""It is unnerving to be told you're bad for children," Andy confessed. But he learned two things from writing Stuart Little: a writer's instinct is his best guide, and "children can sail easily over the fence that separates reality from make-believe. A fence that can throw a librarian is nothing to a child." Later in the same year that book came out ... "

Continuing on a writer's theme today, I want to share another superb picture book biography. In this celebration of beloved author E. B. White, Melissa Sweet does double duty.  She shares his life story with great success, while also creating remarkable artwork to accompany her luminous text. She is an admirer and does all she can to provide readers with an expert accounting for his life and work.

The three years she spent working on it were filled with many discoveries; first, through a relationship with Mr. White's granddaughter who provided access to primary sources that included photos, notes, drafts, letters, sketches; next, through keen attention to his many writings from childhood journals to his work at The New Yorker, to his much loved books for children; and finally, to his barn where she found inspiration for much of her artwork. This is a carefully and beautifully researched portrayal.

E.B. White had a lifelong career as a writer. He wrote as a child with the encouragement of his parents and family. He wrote for The New Yorker throughout his lifetime, while also penning the three children's classics that have so endeared him to children, their parents and their teachers - Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte's Web (1952), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970). He was co-editor of The Elements of Style, a book used by many writers, some of whose quotes concerning its impact on their own writing are included here and much appreciated.

"The poet Joyce Sidman, a Newbery honoree, writes, "White's points in his "List of Reminders' are the fundamentals on which I have built my own writing style. 'Be clear' but 'Do not explain too much' and 'write with nouns and verbs' would be, indeed, the recipe for good poetry."

Gorgeous collages feature watercolor illustrations, homemade paper, wood scraps, and maps merged with cartoons, family photographs, handwritten rough drafts, and other archival material. It is an artistic wonder. An author’s note, an afterword by White’s granddaughter, source notes, a selected bibliography, and a chronological list of his books bring the book to its conclusion.

There is so much to see and savor in this original, stunning and innovative labor of love! I could go on and on. I am sure you have had enough - so, I will simply suggest that you find a copy, fall in love with its story and art, and place it tenderly on your 'keepers' shelf, as I have done. 

If you are interested in knowing more, please check out this link: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/70938-illuminating-the-life-of-e-b-white-melissa-sweet.html
                                                                            

 

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/70938-illuminating-the-life-of-e-b-white-melissa-sweet.html