I was reading Matthew’s latest book, WISH, a few weeks back and remembering how much I had also loved his mini technology-bash in HELLO! HELLO! and it dawned on me I should invite him on the blog. It is such … Continue reading
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Blog: Miss Marple's Musings (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: HELLO! HELLO!, LEAPS AND BOUNCES, ROOTING FOR YOU, THE KNOWING BOOK, TOBY AND THE SNOWFLAKES, Interview, picture books, Illustrators, WISH, Illustrator interview, Matthew Cordell, TROUBLE GUM, ANOTHER BROTHER, Add a tag
Blog: Picture Book Junkies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: matthew cordell, trouble gum, another brother, Add a tag
Sometimes I read a picture book and there is an immediate desire to find EVERY book the illustrator has ever worked on. I think that's how I felt when I read Another Brother by Matthew Cordell. Lucky for me, he is one prolific dude.
Go on. I know you want to go run out and find these books. Or tell me how I've been living under a rock and I should've already known his work. Then read his artist bio. Because one of my secret pet peeves (shhhh!) is a poorly written bio - and I thought his was just fabulous. As is the illustration on his home page.
Blog: James Preller's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: James Marshall, William Steig, Arnold Lobel, Matthew Cordell, Julie Halpern, Around the Web, James Preller photo, Mighty Casey, Another Brother, Best Baseball books for kids, Cordell Another Brother, Preller Mighty Casey, Add a tag
I first learned of Matthew Cordell when he was hired to illustrate my picture book, MIGHTY CASEY. Despite Matt’s great artwork, the book never really found an audience, and I guess it sort of died on the vine, as they say. But there are two great things that came out of that book. First, my ongoing friendship with Matthew and his amazingly talented wife, Julie Halpern. Someday I hope we’re all in the same room! In my opinion, Matt is a hugely gifted illustrator, and a true artist, and an heir in his approach and dedication to Arnold Lobel, who is one of my all-time heroes. He’s also got a touch of William Steig.
Look, I’ll say it. A lot of children’s book illustration, while technically spectacular, isn’t very appealing to kids. Matt’s work, on the other hand, is loose and inviting and draws readers into the story. Like Lobel, and Steig, and James Marshall, and all the best. I really think Matt is that good, and he’s just scratching the surface.
Secondly, I’m gladdened by the consistent pleasure I experience when on odd times I pull out MIGHTY CASEY and read it aloud to large groups of students. I’m telling you, it works every time. We laugh, we have fun, and by the end these kids are right there, leaning in, eager for the play at the plate. Sales or not, those experiences tell me that Matt and I did good together — we made something, you know, put it out into the world. It’s all we can do.
Anyway, Matt created a homemade trailer for his new picture book, ANOTHER BROTHER. Now on sale on every street corner, car trunk, haberdashery — and independent bookstore, too!
Enjoy . . .
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