Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought)

A wide selection of Irish poems, music, stories and folktales are presented along with delicate, evocative line and wash illustrations. Sure to please a range of listeners, this collection is ideal for sharing aloud.

Before she married Martin Luther King, Coretta Scott was known for her beautiful singing voice – and for her willingness to stand up for what was right. This installment of the series is similar in appearance and appeal as women from different historical times and places share the series title in common; each were “Women Who Broke the Rules.”

As a young boy, Cesar Chavez grew up on an 80-acre ranch in Arizona in the midst of joyous family reunions. When his family had to leave Arizona, however, to work as migrant laborers in California, their lives were turned upside down. During these excrutiating days and nights, Cesar struggled — but then found the resolve to one day help his fellow workers. Yuyi Morales brings Cesar’s childhood and early days as an organizer to life with stunning illustrations.

Realistic illustrations and appealing text introduce the life and magical feats of one of the world’s greatest showmen and best known magician, Harry Houdini.

The words for over 60 well known traditional American folksongs (e.g., “Home on the Range,” “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”) and easy-to-follow music are presented in an illustrated, oversized format. Notes about each song’s origin and a music CD are included.

Perhaps his difficult childhood helped create the brilliant scientist (but rude man) he became. A complete portrait of Newton and his contributions to science are presented in a conversational text punctuated with droll illustrations.

Perhaps it was growing up in a time before television that fueled Jim Henson’s creativity, fondness for puppets, and love of invention that resulted in his lasting contributions. Henson’s life (including the Muppets) is presented in clear text and spirited illustrations.

Short, fresh and fun essays present a broad array of musicians and their music - from Bach to Guthrie to Joplin with lots in between. Unexpected information can be found in each informal entry along with caricatured portraits.

Louisa May Alcott is best known for penning Little Women, but few are aware of the experience that influenced her writing most — her time as a nurse during the Civil War. Caring for soldiers’ wounds and writing letters home for them inspired a new realism in her work, including Little Women, which was one of the first novels to be set during the Civil War.

The alphabet is used as a device to introduce the vocabulary for a range of musical styles as well as the names of famous musicians. Jaunty illustrations combine with energetic language for an intriguing glimpse into music and musicians.

A group of young men from Liverpool changed the world of music and they enjoyed a good laugh — often on themselves. The Fab Four and their humor are presented in appealing stylized illustrations and a lighthearted narrative well suited to the material presented.

How Theodore Geisel, a dreamer and doodler from Springfield, Massachusetts, came to be Dr. Seuss, is reveled through a concise text and selected early work by the artist. This book provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of the innovative children’s book author and illustrator.

Two machines captivated young Philo Farnsworth: a telephone and a phonograph. Both had cranks and both connected people with others (one in real time, the other through music). These and other inspirations motivated young Philo to invent what was to become known as the television. His early story is fascinatingly told and well illustrated.

Something stunning happened in an isolated desert town in 1947 that made Roswell, New Mexico, famous. Fact and fiction about the space ship and alien sightings in Roswell are presented and put into a broader historical context. Sketches and open format help create a not-too-serious tone for this appealing book.

A spunky look at zoos from all over the world beginning 4400 years ago in the Sumerian city of Ur and ending at the present day San Diego Zoo. The many places worldwide and zoos’ purposes are presented in informative text and lighthearted cartoon illustrations.

Wilma Rudolph not only overcame polio, she went on to become the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals in Rome in 1960. Semiabstract paintings convey her power and personality in this accessible picture book biography.

Overcoming a difficult childhood, Victoria took control of her own destiny in sometimes unorthodox ways and became the first woman to run for U.S. President in 1872 before women even had the right to vote (Frederick Douglass was nominated to run as Vice President). Photorealistic illustrations add to this remarkable tale of a woman who was truly ahead of her time.