"James Marshall had two friends
who also wrote books.
They were Maurice and Arnold.
Together, the three friends had wild adventures."
I don't know how many children today know the work of James Marshall. If yours don't, at home or at school, they are worth a close look. His work is really amazing, and it deserves to have attention paid to it. To that end, Jerrold Connors does a stellar job of showing readers why the books were so popular, and what a special talent James Marshall was.
This book is sure to remind fans of the George and Martha series which were written with humor and heart. It is divided into six short stories that tell readers about James (also called Jim), his life and hiswork. The first introduces Harry, a wildly imaginative friend, who offers up the idea for a new book. It's about a teacher named Miss Nelson ... and she is missing. Jim considers the idea interesting, and welcomes Harry to his home on the following day. Harry is carrying a huge manuscript that contains all of his notes for the story to be told. Jim considers the ideas; Harry writes and Jim illustrates the book about Viola Swamp, the substitute teacher who shows up when Miss Nelson is listed as missing. It is a great collaboration!
The rest of his life is shared in the following short stories. His friends Maurice Sendak and Arnold Lobel feature in the ensuing stories, as well as Jim's life partner Billy. When classical music proves to be a non-starter, Jim turns to storytelling. All three friends write books, and are constantly engaged in wild adventures. They each have great admiration for the others' work.
Witty and heartwarming, this biography allows interested readers to know how James felt about the work he loved to do, the people who provided fodder for his imagination, his friendships, the children he met in the schools he visited, and his untimely death. Backmatter has an author's note, an explanation for each of the stories created for the book, and a timeline for his life.
This is an excellent picture book biography of an artist whose books are as engaging today as they were when first published. The artwork is reminiscent of Mr. Marshall's books, and is both humorous and charming. Don't miss the wonderful endpapers, or the changes from the dust cover to the book's cover.
Now, take some time to search out his books and meet Miss Viola Swamp, George and Martha, and the Cut-Ups and others who have entertained young readers and their caregivers for many years.
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