Baby Dragon
by Amy Ehrlich (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Candlewick (August 12, 2008) ISBN-10: 0763628409 ISBN-13: 978-0763628406
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
When Baby Dragon's mother must leave him alone overnight, she warms his face, tickles his tail, and tells him she will return in the morning. He must wait by the red fern near the river for her, and he does. He does not play with Frog or go away with Weasel, but he becomes sadder and sadder as he waits. When Crocodile offers to take Baby Dragon to his mother, he climbs on Crocodile's back. The wind sings to him in his mother's voice, and he escapes the reptile's trickery by jumping onto a log. Then step by weary step he follows the riverbank through moonlight and starlight back to the familiar red fern. His mother finds him there in the morning. As he curls up with her and warms her face with his breath, she assures him that she will always come back. Hillenbrand's illustrations, done with ink, colored pencil, finger paint, gouache, and collage, and digitally manipulated, bring to life Baby Dragon's misty tropical forest where water buffaloes wander and storks splash in the river. The crocodile's heavy-lidded, yellow eyes and large jaws contrast sharply with the gentle faces of the dragons. Young children—especially those who have been sad and lonely in their parents' absence—will find comfort in this lovely, reassuring tale.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights
Calendar
by Myra Cohn Livingston (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House (April 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0823417255 ISBN-13: 978-0823417254
And so begins a new year full of sights, sounds, and feelings. From January through December, the months of the year are celebrated in beloved children's poet Myra Cohn Livingston's pleasing verse and Will Hillenbrand's lively art.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
.... More than the words alone, the pictures will help adults talk about the concept of the calendar with preschoolers, who will have fun acting out the words as they enjoy the seasonal changes. Hazel Rochman Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
The Moon Might Be Milk
by Lisa Shulman (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (March 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0525476474 ISBN-13: 978-0525476474
Rosie wonders: What is the moon made of? Cat thinks the moon is a saucer of fresh milk, spilled from the sky into puddles on the ground. Dog thinks its a pat of sweet, creamy butter. Butterfly thinks its made of sugar: sticky and sparkling and oh, so sweet. But Gran knows best. Using milk, butter, sugar, and other ingredients, she shows Rosie how to bake moon shaped cookies and captures a magical piece of the moon in her very own kitchen. Editorial Reveiws
From School Library Journal ... Childlike illustrations in soft patterns and colors complement the delightful whimsy.Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist *Starred Review*.. The mixed-media artwork features Hillenbrand's strong, distinctive lines that define the characters, colors that range in intensity from brilliant to muted, and a rich array of patterned surfaces that make the settings varied and vivid. ... Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
What a Treasure! by Jane Hillenbrand (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House (December 15, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0823420779 ISBN-13: 978-0823420773
Mole has a new shovel and he is digging for buried treasure. But what he finds are treasures for everyone else! He finds a stick and gives it to Bird for his nest. He finds a shell and gives it to Snail for a home. An acorn he gives to Squirrel for his dinner. Finally, he finds a treasure for himself, a friend
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly (starred review) : "Shines with a feel-good, spare text that goes right to the heart of childhood emotions."
From School Library Journal
...Told with minimal text, this book celebrates friendship while quietly calling attention to the fact that treasure is relative. The simple, rounded cartoon illustrations painted in ice-cream colors with thick, black outlines give the story a very sugary but gentle feel. A supplemental purchase for libraries needing more read-a-louds for the youngest audiences.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
My Book Box by Will Hillenbrand (Author) Reading level: Baby-Preschool Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (August 1, 2006) ISBN-10: 0152020292
ISBN-13: 978-0152020293
What can you do with a box? You can make a bug box or a hatbox or a hide-and-seek box. But just imagine all the fun and adventure you can have with a book box. You can explore the world and beyond! That's just what a creative little elephant discovers. And with the help of his frog friend, theres no limit to where they can go.
Popular author-illustrator Will Hillenbrand has created an ingenious tale about the wonderful world a child enters within the pages of a book in this unique celebration of reading and the power of books.
Includes instructions for making a book box.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ... The soft illustrations, done in egg tempera, oil pastels, and ink, lend occasional humor to the simple, quiet text. Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence
by Judith St. George (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Author) Hardcover: 48 pages
ISBN-10: 0399237380
Everyone would agree the one and only Declaration of Independence deserves the best. After all it's at the heart of our country. But since it was signed in 1776, the Declaration has had as many ups and downs as the United States itself. It has been rolled up, copied, hidden away and traveled by horseback, sailing vessel, mail truck, railroad car and military tank.
After being front and center of a new nation, it has escaped two British invasions and survived for
more than two centuries of both peaceful times and devastating wars.
What a journey! And it remains proudly the one and only Declaration of Independence.
Judith St. George, author of "So You Want To be President?",
and Will Hillenbrand bring readers a witty and wonderfully illustrated true story of the invincible
Declaration, giving heroic testimony to the grit and determination of the country itself. A fun
and fascinating way to share the history of the document that gave the American people their freedom.
Editorial Reviews
School Library Journal,
Starred Review It's a wonderful way to learn history.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review ... An often
tongue-in-cheek tone (a running joke reiterates that "parchment should never be folded")
and humorous, parenthetical asides ensure the story's accessibility. Hillenbrand's
(Down on the Farm mixed-media artwork fluidly captures a variety of moods, from innocent-looking
children to important historical figures, contributing mightily to this entertaining history lesson.
One spread depicts elder statesmentheir monogrammed britches denote which of the original 13 states
they representcomically duking it out to highlight the nascent nation's infighting. But the
artist also does not shy away from grave moments: a Civil War scene depicts a soldier reeling from a
wound to the chest, near a heap of abstractly outlined bodies. History buffs or not, all readers will
come away better informed about this honored 2'21/2' sheet of parchment. Ages 5-up. (May)
Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Hillenbrand's bright, sprightly illustrations, with a marked resemblance to the
works of Tomie dePaola, does an excellent job of holding interest while finding humor in the history.
Ilene Cooper Copyright American Library Association.
All rights reserved --
The Bumpy Little Pumpkin
Companion to The Biggest, Best Snowman
by Margery Cuyler, Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 1, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0439528356 ISBN-13: 978-0439528351
Little Nell has found the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. It's bumpy and little and lumpy, and just right. Then, her bossy sisters, BIG Sarah, and BIG Lizzie, tell her it's too small and ugly to make a good jack-o'-lantern. But with a little help from her friends Reindeer, Hare, and Bear Cub, Little Nell shows them all that big ideas sometimes come in small packages--bumps and all. Joyous and uplifting, Little Nell's tale glows with the warmth of a jack-o'-lantern's grin.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ... The colorful cartoons provide the perfect complement. This is a holiday story that can be used year round; it's an excellent choice for reading aloud, both in a group setting or one-on-one.Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist ...Once again, Cuyler and Hillenbrand create a warm, empowering story about a youngest sister's struggles. Cuyler's infectious, repetitive text, with its recurrent use of BIG, is perfectly paced for participatory read-alouds, and Hillenbrand's cheery, whimsical mixed-media illustrations show Little Nell's perspective, moving from images of giant, looming figures to scenes with a more balanced scale at the story's triumphant end. A reassuring story about individuality, friendship, and finding beauty in the imperfect and unusual. Gillian Engberg Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Fiddle-I-Fee by Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books; 1st edition (April 1, 2002)
ISBN: 0152019456
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly Hillenbrand (Counting Crocodiles) gives a new angle to a favorite farmyard folk song in this jaunty adaptation. The cumulative lyrics begin, "I had a cat. My cat pleased me. I fed my cat under yonder tree. My cat plays fiddle-i-fee." Subsequent verses feature a duck, goose, hen, pig, cow and so on, introducing the various barn-dwellers and the musical sounds each can play. But as the animals prepare for a jam session, a human family (an obviously pregnant young woman and hard-working young farmer) prepare for another special event: the arrival of their baby. Hillenbrand's mixed-media illustrations depict a warm, bucolic life as it changes month to month and season to season. Scenes of scampering animals and the busy couple (shown knitting, quilting, chopping wood, etc.) employ a wide array of tones, from bold and crisp to soft and smoky. Most spreads contain hints of what comes next in the song and in the chain of events creating a pleasant guessing game for young readers. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal ... Funny details, such as a duck eating quackers and a "doe" tractor, add interest to the reading and will spark a closer look. There are other picture-book editions of this song ... but libraries will still want to add this amusing title to their collections. Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist .. The cheery, fine-lined mixed-media paintings, in predominantly pastel colors are also fun; some provide clues about which animal will next be joining the musical fray. Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Twas
the Fright Before Christmas
by Judy Sierra, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
ISBN: 0152018050
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly ''Twas the night before Christmas and not only is a mouse stirring, he is delivering gifts to a haunted house and driving a sleigh powered by eight tiny bats in Sierra and Hillenbrand's (collaborators for The House that Drac Built) gigglishly ghoulish, Halloween-inspired rendition of Moore's Christmas classic. After initially blaming one another for interrupting their long winter's naps, the werewolf, zombie,
mummy and pals soon make nice, encouraged by the tiny rodent with a red cap. Readers will enjoy
tracking the mostly unnarrated progress of the mouse amid the funny and dynamic mixed-media paintings.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal ... the real fun lies in the charming illustrations. Kids will grin at the dragon's gaping nostrils, the manticore's one sock, and the fact that almost all of the creatures have a small object to cuddle. The tiny mouse appears on almost every spread but must be hunted for, adding to the entertainment, and the sled-pulling bats are an amusing touch. Not a necessary addition, but a frightfully pleasing one.-E. M. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Preschool to the Rescue by Judy Sierra, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Baby-Preschool Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books; Illustrate edition (April 1, 2001) ISBN: 0152020357
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly "Once there was a mud puddle," writes Sierra (Antarctic Antics), "and it was sleepy, it was creepy, it was deeper-than-you'd-think. When something went into that mud puddle, the mud puddle didn't want to let go." Hillenbrand (previously paired with Sierra for Counting Crocodiles) portrays the maniacal mud puddle as a grubby Jabba the Hut. Five different vehicles become stuck in the muck, but fear not: the artwork's comical pacing and perspective reveal the vehicles to be toys, and a nearby brave band of animal preschoolers comes to the rescue, outfitted in rain slickers and carrying "shovels and sand, and rocks and bricks, and rubber bands and Popsicle sticks." Gradually, the rain lets up and the sun pokes out. The soft prettiness of Hillenbrand's full-bleed watercolor-and-ink illustrations provides a soothing counterpoint to the menacing mud puddle and to the action's comic frenzy. Youngsters will instantly recognize their own voices, experiences and indefatigable energy in Sierra's narrative. What's more, they should also find the conclusion deeply satisfying: in a feast of unbridled mud-food making, the heroic preschoolers completely consume the rogue puddle. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal What a wonderful noisy book this is. .... Readers can virtually hear the trumpets shout as the preschoolers tear out of the school and joyfully set to work. The repetition and rhyme carry the story along and the fun doesn't stop until the book is closed. The artwork is perfect. The pizza truck dances along, bouncing confidently through the rain. The mud puddle lies in wait with a big, ugly, menacing face. Even the font shouts when it should. The animal characters are gleeful. And that just might be a sleeping mud puddle face under the wheelbarrow, waiting for the next rain. Make lots of sounds and have everyone join in the fun-children will love this one.-Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In an interesting
twist on perspective, close-up views of the cars and
trucks suggest that they are real machines in trouble.
But, early on, the careful observer will notice (and
later on, everyone will realize) that the mud has
claimed toy vehicles. ... jaunty cumulative tale; mud
and trucks are eminently appealing preschool topics. Amy Brandt Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Look Out,
Jack! the Giant Is Back by Tom Birdseye, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (September 1, 2001)
ISBN: 0823414507
Editorial
Reviews
From Publishers Weekly ... Hillenbrand's ...mixed media artwork (crayon, colored pencil, oil) ... soars. He captures the rambunctious nature of the author's premise, all the while depicting Jack as a sweet-faced kid with more than a few tricks up his sleeve. The details Jack's ramshackle home, the rolling mountains and a pair of putrid green giant feet (cracked toenails and all) supply the comedy. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.From School Library Journal In this rollicking sequel to "Jack and the Beanstalk," the giant is dead, but his big brother is out for revenge. The boy and his mother hightail it to the mountains of North Carolina and settle down. Mr. Giant ("twice the size of the little one, ten times as nasty, and as ugly as slug pie") doesn't let a little thing like distance get in his way. It's a close call but Jack takes command of the situation and the angry Mr. G. stomps so hard that the mountain falls in and swallows him up. Hillenbrand captures the spirit of the text with lively, humor-filled illustrations done in a variety of media including pencils, inks, tempera, crayons, and oils. "Wham blam hickity hack!"-readers will love this tale about Jack.
Janie Schomberg, Leal Elementary School, Urbana, IL
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist Kids who thought Jack did away with the "fee-fi-fo-fum giant" when the beanstalk came down are in for a surprise. ... the pictures, especially those of the giant with a grand case of indigestion. Just right for small groups.
Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Kiss the Cow! by Phyllis Root, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA); 1st ed edition (November 1, 2000)
ISBN: 0763602981
Editorial ReviewsFrom Publishers Weekly Mama May has "so many children she couldn't count them all." Annalisa, the most curious and stubborn of the bunch, is never too far from Mama May's side. The red-headed pony-tailed girl observes how Mama May coaxes daily buckets of milk from Luella the cow using soothing words and, to Annalisa's disgust, a kiss on the nose. Eager to learn if she, too, can yield milk from Luella, Annalisa imitates Mama May to the letter until it's time to pucker up. Annalisa's refusal to deliver a bovine buss causes chaos Luella won't provide any milk and that means lots of "hungry, crying children." Root's (Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble) original comic folktale clips along at a jaunty read-aloud pace, befitting the eccentric Mama May and her boisterous brood. Hillenbrand (Down by the Station; The House That Drac Built) obviously delights in depicting the extensive family's full-to-bursting life in his sunny mixed-media paintings. Mama May's "house" is a ramshackle collection of small buildings and add-ons that stretches across a full spread (or as Root describes, "as wide as the prairie"). But best of all are the matriarch's sweet countenance and her passel of children a virtual United Nations of race and nationality, all clad in denim overalls. Youngsters will be rooting right along with them for Annalisa to kiss the cow and save the day. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal ... This lighthearted tale is accompanied by colorful cartoonlike illustrations. A good discussion starter on curiosity and its consequences, it also provides an example of a stubborn character backing down. Flowing language makes it a fun read-aloud.Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist ... Elements of folklore echo through the story that reads aloud rhythmically with a satisfying, folksy sound. Hillenbrand's artwork, which appears to combine pencil, pastel, and watercolor, has a rhythmic sense to it as well. The well-conceived illustrations, warm in color and graceful in line, depict a variety of scenes with style and panache. Children will find many entertaining details in these lively pictures. A satisfying read-aloud. Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Down by the Station
by Will Hillenbrand Reading level:
Baby-Preschool Edition: Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books; 1st ed edition
(August 16, 1999)
ISBN: 0152018042
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Hillenbrand's (The Golden Sandal) whimsical interpretation of a
familiar song offers preschoolers a ticket to ride on an enjoyable excursion through a
children's zoo. As an engineer makes repeated stops along the tracks, baby animals board a
rainbow-tinted train. Each adds his or her own sound to the cumulative refrain: "Puff, puff,/
Toot, toot,/ Off we go!" from "Thrump, thrump" for the elephant calf to "Flip,
flop" for the seal pup, building up a symphonic chorus that begs for audience participation.
Hillenbrand shapes the simple song into a full-bodied story with a visual narrative populated by
characters such as a kangaroo
Joey that jumps rope and a monkey that rescues a woman in the alligator pond via
an upturned umbrella. The artwork foreshadows the creatures to come (e.g., a sign pointing to
"Seal Island" appears on the spread before the seal pup's introduction), and the
lyrics point up the unusual names of the animal offspring. Softly shaded but brightly colored,
Hillenbrand's mixed media illustrations embrace an abundance of droll detail and gently outline
landscapes in which the sky gradually changes from the pink hues of early morning to a glorious blue
studded with cotton-candy clouds. All aboard for fun. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information,
Inc.
From School Library Journal ... Between the bouncy text and the motion-filled
pictures, this is a story that just keeps chugging along. Hillenbrand pays attention to detail: a red
balloon released in the first spread soars through the rest of the book, and visual details on each
spread give clues to the next creature to be introduced. Pastel tones convey the exuberant feel of a
sunny morning, and the excitement of a field trip for both the animal and human children. The music
score is appended. This twist on an old favorite combines sunny illustrations, playful humor, and
appealing animals, making it a surefire selection for storytime success.
Kathleen M. Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County
Public Library, Eldersburg, MD Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews Hillenbrand takes license with the familiar song (the traditional words and music are reproduced at the end) to tell an enchanting story about baby animals picked up by the train and delivered to the children's zoo. The full-color drawings are transportingly jolly, while the catchy refrain``See the engine driver pull his little lever''is certain to delight readers. Once the baby elephant, flamingo, panda, tiger, seal, and kangaroo are taken to the zoo by the train, the children representing various ethnic backgrounds, and showing one small girl in a wheelchair arrive. This is a happy book, filled with childhood exuberance. -- Copyright 1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Andy Russell Series |
 |
The Many Troubles of Andy Russell
by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12
Edition: Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Gulliver Books (1998)
ISBN: 0152012958
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Fourth-grader Andy Russell faces a host of problems over a period of a few days. They range from escaped gerbils to finding out that his mother is pregnant to worrying about a friend who would like to live with Andy's family because her foster parents are going to South America. All of the boy's troubles, though, great or small, are described in a fast-paced, breezy style and kids will be sure to identify with his befuddlement and concerns. Fortunately, Andy's best friend is on hand to supply some funny one-liners. The black-and-white illustrations capture the humor of the story, although readers may be somewhat unsettled by the 180 degree swivel of snotty Stacy Ann's head on one of the pages. This is the first in a series of books about Andy and his friends, a fact that will undoubtedly be good news to many young readers.
Todd
Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. |
 |
Andy and Tamika (Andy Russell)
by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 144 pages Publisher:
Gulliver Books Paperbacks (August 9, 1999)
ISBN: 0152019014
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Andy Russell's active brain is always busy but rarely tuned into what is going on in his fourth-grade class. While the other students are hard at work, he chooses names for what he hopes will be a new brother, worries about a stray cat hanging around the playground, and thinks about his pal Tamika or his enemy Stacy Ann Jackson. Fractions may not be Andy's bag, but he makes top grades at caring for animals and for friends in need. He willingly offers some of his 50 baby gerbils as prizes for the school carnival but insists the new owners sign a contract promising proper care for their new pets. When Tamika loses her foster family, Andy's family takes her in and he arranges a celebration to welcome her. Andy is an unusual male character because his exploits deal with emotions and relationships rather than physical challenges. ... Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. |
 |
School Trouble for Andy Russell
by David A. Adler (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator)
Reading level Ages 9-12
Edition: Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Gulliver Books (August 9, 1999)
ISBN: 0152021906
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
This third installment in the series is filled with fun and misadventure. Poor Andy! His mother is expecting a baby, his foster sister, Tamika, is
homesick for her family, and he keeps finding himself in trouble at school. When his strict
teacher falls ill, Andy's class plans on taking advantage of the substitute. This, however,
only leads to more trouble for Andy, who keeps getting blamed for things he didn't do.
The perspective of fourth graders is perfectly captured, as is their angst.
In the end, the boy learns that teachers aren't always as bad as they seem.
Hillenbrand's black-and-white illustrations show a likable Andy in some of the unpleasant,
though often funny situations in which he finds himself. A good choice for reluctant
readers and those looking for easy, entertaining chapter books. Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley
Cottage Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
|
The Last Snake in Ireland: A Story About St. Patrick
by Sheila Macgill-Callahan, Will Hillenbrand
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (March 1, 1999)
ISBN: 0823414256
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly ...
MacGill-Callahan (The Seal Prince) combines two pieces of colorful lore in a crisp and breezy text
that depicts a religious figure at his most human and appealing. In Hillenbrand's
(The Biggest, Best Snowman) softly hued pastel and watercolor paintings, snowy-bearded Patrick has
the predominantly sweet countenance of a Santa Claus, while his beady-eyed nemesis is all
forked-tongued nastiness. The rolling green countryside and vast blue waters evoke Ireland's
timeless landscape. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library
Journal This frolicsome blend of folklore and
legend has Patrick chasing the snakes from Ireland
because "they were so naughty folks were sick and tired
of having them around." One sneaky snake, however,
cleverly eludes him, and from there this tale grows tall
enough to stretch any imagination. When Patrick builds a
beautiful snake box, the curious creature slithers into
it but escapes before the lid is closed. Patrick chases
the reptile through the Irish landscape, pushing the
Blue Stack Mountains open to form the Long Glen of
Hunting and eventually crossing the Giants' Causeway to
the sea. After a passing mother eagle snatches the
snake, Patrick frees him and tosses him into the box,
which promptly sinks into Loch Ness. When Patrick
returns years later, he is greeted by his nemesis and
discovers that the creature has become the Loch Ness
Monster. This delightful read-aloud is full of
tongue-tickling language that will accommodate a wee bit
of a dialect. Hillenbrand's mixed-media illustrations
engulf the pages with humor, texture, and exuberant
color. Perfect for holiday collections as well as
year-round reading, this story should slither into any
collection. Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Biggest, Best Snowman (Young Hippo Animals.)
by Margery Cuyler, Will Hillenbrand
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher:
Scholastic; Library Binding edition (November 1, 1998)
ISBN: 0590139223
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A little girl accomplishes big things in this winning picture book.
"Big Mama, Big Sarah, and Big Lizzie" tell Little Nell she's too small to be of help,
so Little Nell spends her days in the snow playing with her forest friends. When Reindeer,
Hare and Bear Cub urge her to make a snowman, she thinks she's too small. But prodded
by their encouraging words and offer of help,
Little Nell constructs a splendiferous snowman
that makes her family realize she's not so small or helpless after all. As crisp and
delicately patterned as a snowflake, Cuyler's (That's Good, That's Bad!) tale brims
with rhyming words ("She carefully patted and matted and batted the snow into a tiny ball")
and recurring phrases ("She rolled it and rolled it and rolled it to Reindeer") with which
children will gleefully chime in. She explores larger themes such as a child's yearning to feel
significant and the value of cooperation within the cozy context of family and friendship. Hillenbrand
(Traveling to Tondo) matches the jaunty prose with puckish style. Readers will relish the
transformation of Little Nell's mother and siblings who first appear as fairy-tale wicked
stepmother and stepsister types with their wildly sprouting hair into compassionate gentlefolk
(except Big Lizzie, who still says "Hmmmph!"). The artist makes the most of the snowy
setting: eye-popping colors, from the cardinal perched upon the snowman's twiggy arm to Big
Mama's bright fuschia overcoat, show up with perfect clarity against the tranquil, wintry backdrop.
Frustrated youngsters will find a champion in Little Nell. Copyright 1998 Reed Business
Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal ....
The mixed-media paintings, done with oils, watercolors, and pencil, are filled with droll
whimsy. Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews ...
Hillenbrand's comic exaggerations put both the characters and the landscape powerfully in place. --
Copyright 1998, Kirkus
PRESENTATIONS
A visit from an author or illustrator can provide encouragement and inspiration.
Will Hillenbrand is a frequent classroom visitor. Author visits can be planned for any age or grade
level and integrated into the regular curriculum in art, language or any other subject.
He focuses on the process of creating a book in his slide presentation, which chronicles the steps
from my journal entries through initial sketches to the creation of the final artwork.
In his school visits, Hillenbrand also presents drawing demonstrations and a display of original book art. The presentation spills over into participatory activities that emphasize the fun of the process over the perfection of the finished product.
When children identify with both his struggle and accomplishments, they gain confidence in their own expression. They begin to see themselves as competent creative persons.
|
Audience: Recommended
Audience |
All ages (K-adult) |
|
| Audience size: |
150-200 | |
Fee: Fee | $1,600.00 plus travel, lodging and meal expenses.
($1,350.00 if two or more days are booked.) |
Autographing
Some schools wish to order copies of Will's books, which he is happy to autograph. This can be done through a local bookstore or directly from the publishers at a discount. If you want him to autograph the books, please allow adequate time, about one to two minutes per book.
He does not sign scraps of paper, but will be glad to send a bookmark to you to be copied for the students, to give every child a souvenir of the day.
Facilities Needed for an Author Visit
Will Hillenbrand needs the following equipment for his presentations: A large room that can be easily darkened is very important (the darker the better, but not as dark as a cave). The room lights will need to come back up at the end of the presentation.
- A slide screen (9 x 6 feet is ideal). I've found projecting on walls is not as effective.
- Media table for the projector & extension cords if needed. Carpet or tape to cover the cords.
- Two folding tables for display, set on opposite sides of the screen.
- A lapel microphone, if you have one. If not, don't worry, I have a working microphone. If you have a microphone stand that would be helpful.
I bring my own equipment, however you can help me with the following safety net backup equipment, just in case something goes haywire with my equipment.
- Backup LCD projector
- A good quality CD player
The Presentations
Will uses slides to share his stories and the process he goes through in creating a book. He shows how and where he works, how ideas become stories and rough sketches grow into finished art. For upper elementary students and adult audiences he goes into a lot more detail about the process of writing, revising, submitting, and working with the editor and art director.
For primary grades the presentation takes about 45 minutes with an additional ten minutes or so for questions. For older students he usually takes closer to 60 minutes for the presentation, up to an hour including questions.
Accommodations & Expenses
If the location is further than fifty miles from his home expenses will include mileage (if he drives), fares, meals and lodging. Though he appreciates people's generosity in offering to share their homes, Hillenbrand has found that he needs time to be alone and prefers that arrangements be made for a clean, quiet, non-smoking room. Elegance is not necessary.
Dinners with one or several teachers or librarians are fine, but he doesn't mind being left on his own either...as long as there is a convenient restaurant.
"Extras"
Hillenbrand is frequently asked to "just come in and meet" a class that doesn't get to hear his formal presentation and "maybe just read one of your books or say a few words" or, after an assembly, to go from classroom to classroom to answer questions. While he wants to be cooperative and accessible to the students and teachers, please keep in mind that each time Hillenbrand is placed in front of a group and asked to speak, he will be repeating information and using his voice, so please try to be reasonable about such requests. If after a large assembly the question and answer session has been fairly short he does not mind, for example, meeting with one group for additional questions.
Touring the school and admiring displays of student work is another opportunity for low-key interaction, but please don't ask him to judge or evaluate.
Questions for Picture Book Discussion
Teachers preparing students for an author visit may want to consider these questions when discussing a picture book with their students:
Is the story told clearly through word and picture?
Are the characters unique?
Is the ending of the story consistent with the beginning and middle of the story?
Is the text divided up so that it flows naturally from page to page?
Do the pictures accurately reflect the story? Are
they connected well to each other?
Contact For Arranging an Author Visit
