More, More, More: Show Me a Story!

Leonard S. Marcus says, "Our favorite picture books speak to us at the start of life and continue to speak to us for the rest of our lives." So true!

I encourage parents of totz to sit down with a cup of coffee and Show Me a Story! Why Picture Books Matter, and listen in as Leonard interviews 21 of the world's greatest illustrators. From Sendak to Wells, McCloskey to Steig, you'll feel as if you are at the table listening in to an expert discuss his passion with the passionate illustrator, himself or herself.

Gems are uncovered with each page turn. Behind the scenes anecdotes flesh out your favorite picture books. It's amazing how many illustrators give a nod to Charles Schultz. How many admire and look to each other for inspiration. Surprises include Mo Willems:

"I'd rather be a craftsman than an artist. An artist waits for an audience to understand his or her work. But a craftsman tries to understand the audience."

While other notes confirm your thoughts, such as Vera B. Williams' clear aim:

"The thing I'm most interested in doing as an illustrator is to make emotion visible."

Thanks to Candlewick Press and Leonard S. Marcus for sharing this treasure with lovers of picture books. The content, moments in time, words exchanged, thoughts shared is invaluable.

Show Me a Story!
Why Picture Books Matter
Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators
compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus
Candlewick Press, 2012