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Performing Artists in Picture-Book Biographies (page 2)

Cover art for ZISHE THE STRONGMAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
ZISHE THE STRONGMAN
by Robert Rubenstein, illustrated by Woody Miller
"Soft, earth-toned crayon drawings of a Samson-like figure energize this real-life superman story told, appropriately, with a bit of a big-top flair and a healthy sense of ethnic pride. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 4-6)"
Zishe, a poor Polish Jew and a blacksmith's son, displayed unusual strength from the time he was three years old. Read full book review >
Cover art for MERMAID QUEEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2009
Kirkus Star MERMAID QUEEN: THE SPECTACULAR TRUE STORY OF ANNETTE KELLERMAN, WHO SWAM HER WAY TO FAME, FORTUNE, & SWIMSUIT HISTORY
by Shana Corey, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
"Fotheringham's bold, spiraling patterns resemble crashing water; both fiery and cool colors pay homage to this vibrant woman and her sport. (author's, source notes) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)"
Little has been written about Annette Kellerman, the founder of water ballet and modernizer of the female swimsuit; Corey's lively descriptions and powerful phrasing successfully fill this niche. Read full book review >
Cover art for DANCING TO FREEDOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 22, 2008
Kirkus Star DANCING TO FREEDOM: THE TRUE STORY OF MAO’S LAST DANCER
by Li Cunxin, illustrated by Anne Spudvilas
"It's all about a young man far from home keeping stories close to his heart. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
Born into extreme poverty in Mao's China, the author was able, through happenstance, determination and yes, talent, to achieve an amazing career as a ballet dancer in the West. Read full book review >
Cover art for KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE KID
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2008
Kirkus Star KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE KID: THE EARLY YEARS OF BUSTER KEATON
by Catherine Brighton, illustrated by Catherine Brighton

Born on the road to vaudevillian parents, "Buster" Keaton earned his nickname from fellow performer Harry Houdini after falling down several flights of stairs as a young child. Read full book review >
Cover art for PIANO STARTS HERE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 8, 2008
Kirkus Star PIANO STARTS HERE: THE YOUNG ART TATUM
by Robert Andrew Parker, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
"Fusing Parker's artistic talent and passion for jazz (he's a musician, too), this sensitively embellished biography is totally on time. (author's and biographical notes, bibliography of adult sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)"
Renowned illustrator Parker supplies both an affecting text and luminescent watercolors in homage to the virtuosic Tatum. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOOTWORK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2007
FOOTWORK: THE STORY OF FRED AND ADELE ASTAIRE
by Roxane Orgill, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch
"Pair this with aural and visual treats from the performers' stellar careers. (selected bibliography of adult titles, selected discography, suggested films, television, website) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
Focusing on Fred and Adele's childhood and acts, Orgill chronicles the siblings' hard work as child dancers on the vaudeville and small-time music-hall circuits. Read full book review >