Genre 1 - Talking with Artists, Volume 2, compiled and edited by Pat Cummings

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOLUME TWO, Volume Two. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689803109

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The book compiles the love of art with the many of the artists who define the profession of illustration. Cummings brings to light thirteen prominent artists in the field of children’s literature, divulging biographical information and personal stories for each. In each new section, a new artist shares with readers a firsthand account of their “story,” events and experiences that influenced their lives and the paths they took to art. Cummings uses the same eight interview questions with each artist in order to showcase his/her personality and lifestyle. Through the pictures, illustrations, and interesting, personal tidbits, readers gain insight into the lives of these people whose artwork may resonate in their minds. Offering tips and suggestions, this book is a useful tool to the developing artist.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The first person responses and narratives are a wonderful aspect of this work, as they add originality and variation to the book’s words. With each new illustrator, readers hear a new tone and personality, differentiating from person to person. By opening each section with the “My Story” aspect, readers are led to feel a connection to the speaker, and then to associate their answers to the eight interview questions with genuine, heartfelt insight into their lives. In addition to the personal speaking of each illustrator, Cummings introduces the book with purpose and enthusiasm for the showcase of award winners that she presents.

The photographs in the book give a good overview of the pertinent aspects of an illustrator’s journey to professional art. Readers see the illustrator as a child and an adult which mirrors the inclusions of childhood art to more recent published artwork. It is intriguing to see each person grow into their adult selves while seeing how their artistry has also adapted and developed. A key aspect present within each section is the photo of each artist’s work area. Being able to see the environment in which each prefers to work, and to see what inspires the images that they create helps readers to know each person in greater depth.
This is an insightful and inspiring read for aspiring artists and picture book lovers alike. A useful tool and educational read!

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in HORN BOOK: “An inspired concept, executed with class!”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young artists will learn a lot… well designed and well conceived.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A delight for aspiring artists.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Teachers may assign biography studies to various students on a selected artist. Each student could use TALKING WITH ARTISTS as jumping off point for more research.
*Read in alignment with the other volumes of TALKING WITH ARTISTS in order to explore even more illustrators and their personal stories.
*When hosting an illustrator or implementing an “illustrator’s spotlight,” these books would be excellent introductions to focus the audience and prepare them for conversation with the speaker.