Genre One - Picture Books

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 2001. SIDE BY SIDE FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE-BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK. New York; Walker & Company. ISBN 0802787797

PLOT SUMMARY
Mr. Marcus examines five picture book writing teams and looks at the process of wirting and illustrating children's books. He has chosen authors and illustrators of some of the most popular children's literature and explores their collaborative and creative process. The five teams include: Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski (LOUIS THE FISH), Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen (THE GLORIOUS FLIGHT: ACROSS THE CHANNEL WITH LOUIS BLERIOT), Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, and Molly Leach (THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES), Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney (SAM AND THE TIGERS: A NEW TELLING OF LITTLE BLACK SAMBO), and Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS EXPLORES THE SENSES). Readers can read about the process of writing and illustrating picture books. Marcus includes examples of the writing. drawing, and editing process. There is even a glossary of terms for younger readers who may not be familiar with some of the technical terms. This is a great book for children who may be interested in writing, illustrating, or both.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a great behind the scenes book for anyone interested in writing or illustrating. Not only is there a story about what happens while collaborating on a picture book, there are examples of the creative process while in development. The pictures of illustrations in process is great for artists who may struggle or not always get it right the first time to see. Also included are copies of writing in process. It shows the editing process as words and phrases are marked out and changes are made. The jacket cover to the book shows each of the teams drawn into a scene of their own books. This is a wonderful for students and adults alike who are intersted in the steps necessary in producing a picture book.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist (starred review) - "Inviting...well-written and beautifully designed."
Publishers Weekly (starred review) - "Insights into the inner workings of bookmaking."
2001 Best Book, New York Public Library
2002 Best Book, CCBC Choices

CONNECTIONS
Great for use in art classes to show the progression of work from inception to finished product.
For use in Language Art classes to teach the editing process. A wonderful way to show that even experienced writers do not get it right the first time.