Talking with Artists by Pat Cummings

Bibliography:
Cummings, P. TALKING WITH ARTISTS. New York, NY: Broadway Press. ISBN 0027242455

Plot Summary:
Pat Cummings book explores the lives of fourteen artists who work in children’s literature. An autobiographical essay introduces each artist. Each section includes art work created by the artist as a child and as an illustrator, a set of eight questions frequently asked by students, and motivational quotes. The book also includes a glossary of terms and a list of further reading by the artists included in the book. This edition included these artists: Victoria Chess, Pat Cummings, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner.

Critical Analysis:
Artist Lane Smith starts his essay by saying “I guess I really knew I wanted to be an artist when my fourth-grade math test came back with a big “D” on it” (p. 72). This book presents the histories of fourteen different artists and each section represents the individual vision of each artists. Readers are provided with insight into the creative process and lifestyle. They are also shown the progress artists make from children to adults and the different pathways artists can take to achieve their goals in art. This book is effective because it presents the artists as children through their memories and artwork. The selected artists have different histories and experiences which allows a variety of readers to relate to different artists.

The images contained in the book reflect the work of each individual artist. Each section shows a photograph of the artist, an artwork done by the student completed as a child, and an example of their current artwork. Showing the artwork completed as children and as an adult helps readers imagine the transition from what they are currently capable of to what might be. Also the images of current work will help readers connect to books read previously.

Awards:
Boston Globe/Horn Book for Non-Fiction, 1992

Review Excerpts:
Booklist, starred: “a delight.”
Horn Book, starred: “An inspired concept.”
School Library Journal, starred: “Well designed and well conceived.”

Connections:
-Further Books in the series by Pat Cummings:
Talking With Artists, Volume 2: Conversations with Thomas B. Allen, Mary Jane Begin, Floyd Cooper, Julie Downing, Denise Fleming, Sheila Hamanaka, Kevin Henkes, William Joyce, Maira Kalman, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Brian Pinkney, Vera B. Williams and David Wisniewski ISBN 0689803109
Talking With Artists, Vol. 3: Conversations with Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis and Paul O. Zelinsky ISBN 0395891329
-Readers can also be introduced to further readings by artists presented in the series, which if the series follows the first book will be included in the book
-Books can also be introduced that are related to different how to art books on drawing, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, etc.