Margaret: I’d thank her for inspiring me, for being completely lovely and a great role model. And then I would listen to absolutely anything she had to say. I’d hang on every word and commit them to memory. Then I’d probably compliment her outfit because I’m sure it would be fabulous.
"God kissed her on the cheek, and there she was." ~ Billy Wilder on Audrey Hepburn
I'm really happy to welcome author Margaret Cardillo and illustrator Julia Denos to alphabet soup today because I love love their new picture book biography, Just Being Audrey (Balzer + Bray, 2011)!
As a lifelong Audrey fan, I was truly excited when I first heard about this book when reading Julia's fab interview at 7-Imp. At a time when young girls look to celebrities for role models, and when all too often those role models disappoint, it's heartening to know that now Audrey's story can be held up as rock solid inspiration.
Distilling Hepburn's fascinating life into 32 pages must have been a daunting task, but Margaret and Julia have done a beautiful job of presenting significant milestones -- from Audrey's unique childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, to her rise as an award-winning actress and fashion icon, to the tireless work she did on behalf of the world's impoverished children as International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
I love how Just Being Audrey captures the essence of Audrey's grace, elegance, style, beauty, indomitable spirit, and unfailing kindness. She was definitely someone who always remained true to herself, and it's exciting to see generation after generation, regardless of age or gender, continue to admire not only Audrey's "movie star" persona, but also the totally unassuming person she was in real life. The more you learn about Audrey, the more you want to emulate her conduct and live by her values. Margaret's and Julia's own admiration, enthusiasm and love for Audrey shine through on every page -- making this well-written, gorgeously illustrated book an especially good choice for Women's History Month and a wonderful keepsake for girls (and women) of all ages.
I know you'll enjoy hearing what Margaret and Julia have to say!
If you could meet Audrey today, what would you say to her?
Julia: You know, I've spent months saying, "If only I'd had the chance to meet Audrey," but I could never imagine much beyond a big hug! I know I'd be speechless, but she'd probably break the ice by offering to make spaghetti.
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Blog: jama rattigan's alphabet soup (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: audrey hepburn, julia denos, comfort and joy 2011, margaret cardillo, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Amelia Earhart, Books for Girls, Jennifer Fosberry, Mike Litwin, Audrey Hepburn, Candace Fleming, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Cultural Wisdom: Books that teach, Julia Denos, Anjelica Huston, Margaret Cardillo, John Miller, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 8, 2011
Our shared history unites families, communities, and nations. Although women’s history is intertwined with the history shared with men, several factors – social, religious, economic, and biological – have worked to create a unique sphere of women’s history. ~ The National Women’s History Project
by Margaret Cardillo (Author), Julia Denos (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (January 25, 2011)
Source: Publisher
From her life as a child in Nazi occupied Europe to her rise to fame as an actress to her empowering work with UNICEF, Hepburn’s kindness and compassion has been highlighted clearly and carefully and will most definitely inspire young girls. The beautifully painted artwork truly captures the eloquence and signature style that exuded from Hepburn her entire life. Just Being Audrey certainly has a special je ne sais quoi.
Add this book to your collection: Just Being Audrey
My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream
by Jennifer Fosberry (Author), Mike Litwin (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition (September 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
This picture book is a brilliant way to introduce young girls to some very wonderful women. It’s empowering and inspiring and a whole lot of fun. These are some of Isabella’s role models: U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Add this book to your collection: My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
by Candace Fleming
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (February 8, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Candace Fleming is a non-fiction writing master. There are many books about Amelia Earhart that have been written for children, howev
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JacketFlap tags: HarperCollins, Books, movies, biography, Authors, Picture Books, Illustrators, Funny Face, Audrey Hepburn, My Fair Lady, Julia Denos, Balzer+Bray, Margaret Cardillo, Roman Holiday, Add a tag
I’m certainly not unique in declaring that I’m an enormous fan of Audrey Hepburn. I feel like I’ve grown up with her. First, at 11 years old, when I was introduced to her by way of Funny Face.
Then again in high school when I watched Roman Holiday for the first time and felt that there really wasn’t a more perfect ending in all of Hollywood than the ending of that movie.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s was next, inevitably. As an adult, I found Wait Until Dark and it had me looking over my shoulder for weeks.
Fast forward to today and I have the pleasure of telling you all about JUST BEING AUDREY, a picture book biography of Audrey Hepburn, on-sale today. Written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos, this follows Audrey’s life from her childhood in war-torn Europe to her film career through her role as a UNICEF ambassador. Here is a lovely example of the interior text and art (though it doesn’t do the gorgeous spreads justice, of course):
In addition to checking out JUST BEING AUDREY, I’d recommend the movies Funny Face and My Fair Lady to get kids started on Audrey’s legacy.
And don’t forget to “like” the JUST BEING AUDREY fan page on Facebook: share your favorite Audrey Hepburn movie and enter to win a signed print and a copy of the book! Winner will be chosen at random this Friday. (And make sure to read others’ responses – they’re entertaining and fun!)
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