Kudos to a title that recognizes a previously uncelebrated African-American woman of achievement.
Society ladies and screen actresses made Ann Cole Lowe’s gowns famous, but no one credited their African-American designer.
The great-granddaughter of a slave, Ann grew up in Alabama sewing with her mother. When she was just 16, her mother died, but Ann kept on with the work, finishing a gown for the wife of the governor. She was able to attend design school in New York City in 1917, albeit sitting alone in a segregated classroom. As the proprietor of her own business, Ann was in much demand with very wealthy and high-profile women. Olivia de Havilland accepted her 1947 Oscar wearing an Ann Cole Lowe gown. In 1953, a rich socialite named Jaqueline Bouvier married a Massachusetts senator named John F. Kennedy wearing one of Lowe’s couture creations. Lowe worked hard and eventually began to receive long-overdue recognition. Freeman’s crisply colorful artwork enlivens the clear and accessible narration. The endpapers featuring pictures of Lowe’s runway-perfect gowns and fabric swatches in the page design will delight young fashionistas, while the vignette of Ann in a classroom sitting by herself against a solid white background speaks volumes.
Kudos to a title that recognizes a previously uncelebrated African-American woman of achievement. (author’s note) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4998-0239-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Kids who take Ferris wheels for granted should find this history eye-opening.
The invention of the Ferris wheel is explored in story and pictures designed to describe the age of innovation for young readers.
The legendary Ferris wheel was one of myriad inventions that came out of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. was a mechanical engineer who was determined to outdo the star of the previous World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower. To Ferris, engineering and innovation were part of the American nature, and he set out to prove it by designing a structure that would amaze fairgoers. Working with his engineering partner, Ferris turned his vision into plans but had difficulty convincing officials until they found themselves without a star attraction months before the fair was to open. They agreed to his plan but provided no financing. Ferris was relentless in his efforts to bring his wheel to fruition, and it became one of the fair’s most popular attractions. This straightforward narrative for younger readers provides a good sense of the period of innovation and the type of personal drive it took to bring ideas to reality. Additional pertinent facts that support the story appear in sidebars. The slightly retro, line-and-color illustrations, done in an unexpected, muted palette, enhance the text and provide additional interest.
Kids who take Ferris wheels for granted should find this history eye-opening. (sources, bibliography, websites) (Informational picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-547-95922-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: June 17, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Visually attractive but unlikely to appeal broadly.
An introduction to the life of an early saint historically revered by both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions.
The early life of Nicholas and his time as a priest and bishop are recounted, along with several miracles and stories attributed to him. Although the towns where Nicholas lived are mentioned, the corresponding countries and the time period are not specified. The tradition of European children leaving shoes outside their doors to be filled by St. Nicholas is presented, but there is no connection drawn to our modern-day Santa Claus or explanation of how the cultural transformation of traditions occurred. This book was originally published in Germany, and the text concludes with a rhyme still sung by German children on the feast day of St. Nicholas. A map and an author’s note explaining these concepts as well some of the religious terminology would have been helpful. Ferri’s appealing illustrations offer expressive characters and sweeping, panoramic views of the scenes from the life of the saint, with glowing light illuminating each painting. Demi’s The Legend of Saint Nicholas (2003) covers similar biographical territory but includes the connection between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus.
Visually attractive but unlikely to appeal broadly. (Picture book/religion. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 8, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5434-6
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Eerdmans
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
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