Be sure and read the Picture Book Proclamation, a project Betsy Bird tells us was spearheaded by the very creative Mac Barnett. He is joined by such luminaries as Jon Scieszka, Erin E. Stead, Adam Rex, and Sophie Blackall.The group reminds us that the picture book is, at heart, a maverick form, and should not be allowed to stagnate, especially considering the loud talk about its impending demise.
This pleasingly off-the-wall manifesto insists that we celebrate creativity, concluding, "Every day we make new children—let us also make new children's books."
Note: Carson Ellis designed, lettered, and drew the proclamation. She is best known as the wife of Decemberist lead singer Colin Meloy and illustrator of his book, Wildwood.
5 comments:
What a great manifesto. And I also hope that includes middle grade and YA fiction too!
I love this so much, and to know that it's the brainchild of Mac Barnett? Makes my fangirly heart go a-fluttering. That man keeps being pathetically adorable.
LinW and Amy--I know, isn't it cool? And the phrase "pathetically adorable" definitely describes Mac B.
Some good points, but, an overall negative undertone. Art is eye catching.
Denise--Hmm. Yes, there's a certain amount of complaining going on. Are these legitimate questions, though? Is the Proclamation more whiny, or thoughtfully concerned? Alarmist, or sounding the trumpet of creativity?
I do feel commercial books are dominating a bit more now than in past years, but then, some beautiful AND innovative books are still hitting the market.
Post a Comment