LS 5603 Book Review: Pass It Down: Five Picture Book Families Make Their Mark

Creation of Children's Picture Books

Bibliography
Marcus, Leonard. 2007. PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK. New York, NY: Walker Publishing Co. ISBN 0802796001

Plot Summary
In PASS IT DOWN Marcus showcases five families that have two or three people who are writers or illustrators of children's books. The book is organized by family group, each group has background on the family members and little bit about the books that they produce. Illustrations and rough drafts of the picture books are included for the reader to compare.

Critical Analysis
In the introduction Marcus connects with readers by talking about how things are passed down in families and asks the reader to "take a closer look at your family too. Every family has its strengths and talents." Then in each showcase of a family Marcus shares how these people became who they are, hardships and triumphs.

Snippets of the authors and illustrators lives like pictures, sketches, photos, letters from editors and scribbles on rough drafts, make the reader understand that these are real people who were able to create something. Especially enjoyable is when the readers are allowed to compare rough drafts or thumbnail sketches to the finished art.

At the end of the five showcased families there is a list of books produced by each family, with this list readers can peruse books and compare/contrast styles within family units; for example: compare/contrast the artwork of Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Another helpful tool for the reader is a glossary in the back of the book covering terms like handicrafts and scratchboard.

Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Marcus's writing is, as usual, tight but lively, and each chapter is liberally laced with photographs, preliminary sketches, and final art."

BOOKLIST: "This may be of greatest interest to librarians, but young fans will find this a very readable and perceptive book that throws an intriguing light on growing up within a successful family and choosing a career path."

Connections
*Have children interview their family to find out what their family has a history of.
*Have children use book list at back of the book to pick a family and create a Venn Diagram
*Read another book about authors and illustrators:
Marcus, Leonard. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. ISBN 0802786561
Evans, Dilys. SHOW AND TELL: EXPLORING THE FINE ART OF CHILDREN'S BOOK. ISBN 0811849716