ROBERT
CASILLAIllustrator
ROBERT
CASILLA
Illustrator
Robert Casilla, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, received a Bachelor of
Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He works from
his studio at his home in New Fairfield, Connecticut where he lives with wife
and two children.
Casilla, an artist/illustrator of Hispanic background, has
illustrated many multicultural children's books such as THE LITTLE PAINTER OF
SABANA GRANDE, JALAPENO BAGELS and THE LEGEND OF MEXICATL, CON MI HERMANO/WITH
MY BROTHER.
He has also illustrated a number of biographies, including ones about Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Simon Bolivar.
ISBN-10: 0884483118 ISBN-13: 978-0884483113
Rafael is hungry because someone stole his lunch. His mom had packed his lunch bag with two burritos, a bag of corn chips, some carrots, and an apple. Once a week she tucks in a slice of her special lemon pound cake. Rafael saw Kevin, a new kid in his class, sneak his lunch bag from underneath his desk and tuck it in his backpack. But how can he do something about the theft without picking a fight? Inspired by his mother's advice to use his mouth before his fists, Rafael bides his time, but other kids' lunches are disappearing, too. On an errand with his mom, Rafael sees Kevin carrying a bundle of laundry into a motel room, and his mom tells him Kevin's family might be one of the families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Rafael rethinks his anger. The next day, instead of accusing Kevin, Rafael invites him to share his lunch, letting him know he's been caught, but offering friendship as well as a good meal.
Editorial Reviews
It
s a heartwarming book that helps children see the other side of every story.
--Thom Ronk, Teaching Tolerance
The Lunch Thief brings us a gentle reminder of what hunger can drive even
children to do and of the kindness and mercy that must be our response. --Naomi
Schalit, author of the award-winning newspaper series For I Was Hungry
Larry Bird: The Boy From
French Lick Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Blue Marlin Publications (December 4, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0979291828 ISBN-13: 978-0448947215
Larry Bird is one of the most accomplished basketball players in American History, but he doesn t hold any big secrets to the game or any super human talent. His keys to his success have always been practice, persistence, and a belief in himself. Most books about famous athletes focus on the career of the person as a professional athlete. This story focuses only on Larry Bird s life BEFORE he became the star of the Boston Celtics. This is the story of his childhood. Meticulously researched, Francine Poppo Rich crafts the important details of Larry Bird s early life into a powerful, true story of one boy s determination to play the best game of basketball he could play. From the age of thirteen, Larry Bird possessed a single-minded approach to his game: practice the basics. Rich weaves the words of Larry Bird s childhood experiences in such a way that even the youngest basketball player will be inspired to play with a passion. Award-winning illustrator, Robert Casilla, has painted the characters of Larry Bird s world with stunning accuracy. Casilla s portrayal of French Lick, Indiana and the people who influenced Bird in the 1970s provide an unforgettable portrait of a boy growing up in a place that he will always call home.
SBN-10: 1435234170
ISBN-13: 978-0448447215
Jackie Robinson became the first black Major League baseball player of the modern era when he stepped onto the field as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947. In simple, engaging language, this book follows Jackie from childhood through his career as an MVP–award winning baseball player and a hero of the civil rights movement. This book is perfect for Black History Month and the start of spring training!
There have been a number of books about Jackie Robinson, but when you are the "first" in any capacity that is often what happens. He, of course, was the first African American baseball player to break the color barrier when he was brought to the team by Branch Rickey and made his first public appearance with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. It was not easy—his teammates were not particularly friendly or supportive and the other teams were out to get him, but Jackie was a fighter in his own way. He rose above the harassment and became Rookie of the Year. He kept quiet for a while, but in 1949, he started letting the umpires and others know about bad calls and harassment. During that year—1949—Jackie Robinson was named the National League's Most Valuable Player. He earned it. The text in the "All Aboard Reading" book, Station stop 2 is full of colorful illustrations and photographs documenting Jackie's amazing career. A good choice for boys who love sports and kids who need books featuring African American role models. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Midnight Forests: A Story Of
Gifford Pinchot And Our National Forests
by Gary Hines, Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Hardcover:
32 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (April 1, 2005)
ISBN: 1563971488
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal When Pinchot entered Yale in
1885 with the intention of becoming a forester, few Americans had heard of the
profession, and he had to pursue his practical training in Europe. After
successfully demonstrating the benefits of tending forests by managing the
Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, Pinchot spread his message throughout the
country. As head of the newly formed Forest Service, he trained others to tend
public lands. However, his most enduring legacy came in collaboration with
President Theodore Roosevelt when the two men carried out a plan to set aside
huge forest reserves in the West. Without the work of this conservationist, the
U.S. landscape today probably would include far fewer trees today. The
full-color illustrations ... portray the events described in the text. With
ongoing debates about forest conservation and logging issues, this clearly
written picture-book biography provides a timely introduction to the work of an
important pioneer. Students who want to learn more might read Peter Anderson's
Gifford Pinchot (Scholastic, 1996), which includes period photographs.–Kathy
Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright Reed Business
Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist ... Mirroring the quiet prose, the dignified
pencil-and-watercolor illustrations depict Pinchot at work and in quiet
contemplation. ... this large-format picture book will make an effective choice
for Earth Day displays. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
The Dream on Blana's Wall,
Poems in English and Spanish
by Jane Medina, Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages
9-12 Hardcover: 48 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; Bilingual
edition (March 1, 2004)
ISBN: 1563977400
Paperback: Publisher: Wordsong; Bilingual edition (March 1, 2004)
ISBN: 159078264X
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ...this free-verse collection delineates the
life of Blanca, a sixth grader who, encouraged by her teachers, aspires to
become an educator herself. Her dreams are embodied in a picture she drew in
second grade of a young, brown teacher who looks like her. Now the tape is
yellow and curling, and in the face of challenges from life, Blanca feels that
her dream, too, is curling and cracked. The 24 poems outline the obstacles she
faces: poverty, non-English-speaking parents, long absences from school to
return to Mexico, and a much-loved but underachieving older brother who
belittles her ambitions. They also address the sources of strength in her life:
a loving family, concerned teachers, and a supportive neighborhood. The poems,
spare and understated, are well matched by Casilla's photographic
black-and-white pencil drawings. The Spanish translation is literal and as
unadorned as the English, creating a starkly realistic picture of life for many
children of migrant families. Excellent as a teaching tool, both as a pattern
for writing verse and as a discussion starter, this title can be balanced by
sunnier poetry on Chicano life, such as Francisco X. Alarcn's Laughing
Tomatoes/Jitomates risuenos (1997) and Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la
nieve (2001, both Children's Book Press) Copyright Reed Business
Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
by Carolyn Mardsen, illustrated by Robert Casilla ,
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Viking Books (September 1, 2003)Mama Had To Work on Christmas
ISBN: 0670036358
Gloria always spends Christmas with Papi, Mama, and Nana. But this Christmas,
Papi is away picking oranges and Mama has to work at the hotel where she is a
maid. Gloria is miserable when Mama makes her go with her-until they get to the
hotel with its lavish decorations and food piled high on the tables. What a
magical place to spend Christmas! But then Mama explains that these lovely
things are only for the guests: Gloria is to stay in the kitchen where nobody
will see her. From her hiding spot, Gloria watches as a girl her age eats a
fancy meal with her family. How can one girl have so much while another has so
little?
Editorial
Reviews
From Booklist ... The neat uplifting story ... with moving, realistic
black-and-white illustrations does bring home the painful truth about class
differences, a subject seldom addressed in children's books. Hazel Rochman
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
First Day in
Grapes by L. King Perez, Robert
Casilla (Illustrator) Hardcover (September 2002) Lee & Low Books;
Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: School & Library Binding 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books; 1st edition (September 2002)
ISBN: 1584300450
All year long, Chico’s family moves up and down the state of
California to pick fruits and vegetables. Every September, Chico starts at a new
school. Often, the other kids pick on him — maybe because he’s always new, or
maybe because he speaks Spanish sometimes. But third grade promises to be
different. He likes his teacher, and she recognizes his excellent abilities in
math — he may even get to go to the math fair! When some fourth-grade bullies
tease him, he surprises them with strengths of his own.
*Award*
2004 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Award ALSC/Reforma
Editorial Reviews
From School Library
Journal .... the watercolor, colored-pencil,
and pastel illustrations bring warmth and color to this portrait of life in
rural California. Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist ,,,.
Realistic watercolor, pastel, and colored-pencil illustrations are especially
adept at portraying Chico's emotions. His story will resonate with migrant
students and those who have moved frequently. For others, it's an insightful
glimpse of another way of life and a reminder that different kids have different
talents. Linda Perkins Copyright American Library Association. All
rights reserved
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 LA Leyenda De Mexicatl by Jo Harper, Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 - 32 pages (September 30, 2000) Turtle Books Paperback ISBN 1890515221
Hardcover (May 1998) ISBN 189051506X
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Growing up under the blistering sun of the desert, the boy Mexicatl can hardly imagine being chosen to lead his people - until he has a vision. One day the Morning Star tells him to search for "a place of harmony" and reveals the sacred image of the eagle and snake. Only after Mexicatl learns the hard lessons of leadership do his people prosper. Richly illustrated, this is an enchanting story of faith and wisdom, drawn from ancient Aztec history.
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews The story of a
young man destined to be a leader of his people is also the story of the
founding of Mexico. A young boy who lives ``under the blazing desert sun'' is
called Mexicatl, after the mescal plant used to make his cradle. The strong
child is told that the Morning Star will speak to one who will rise up among
their people and resettle them. One day in the desert, the young man hears his
name. A voice calls him to a mountaintop where he sees the vision of a cactus
and an eagle. He leads some of his people to a new land. He reigns, but does not
contribute to the good of the community until his mother offers her advice:
``You have set yourself above the people. This is not the way of harmony.''
Lesson learned, Mexicatl changes his ways and the people prosper. A note
describes the Mexican legend's history. The illustrator chooses to make the
scenes very simple: the realistic depiction of a young man against a background
of color that is the stylized landscape; uncluttered vistas and several
portraits of Mexicatl with movie-star good looks at various ages. The overall
effect is to enhance the legend with timeless pictures of strength and beauty.
There is food for thought in Harper's recasting of the legend, which locates the
humanity at the center of true leadership. (Picture book/folklore. 5-8) --
Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
The author, John Micklos, Jr. ,
June 13, 2000 Celebrating the love
between fathers and children. I compiled Daddy Poems to illustrate the love and
laughter shared by fathers and children. I also hope this book of poems will
encourage dads to read with their children.
This book of poems takes readers through a day with dad, from his morning shave
through piggyback rides, outdoor activities, bath time, and finally bed time.
Many of the poems, such as my poems "Daddy Hugs," "Bath Time," and "Bedtime
Ritual," reflect universal experiences that occur in many families, including
mine. I hope this collection of poems brings smiles and warm feelings to many
readers.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Robert Casilla's realistic illustrations depict the
face of fatherhood from many walks of life and reflect the joy of the
parent-child relationship. Kids will recognize themselves and their fathers in
the poems, and dads will be reminded of the fundamental importance of their
role. Tim Arnold Copyright American Library Association. All rights
reserved
A PICTURE BOOK COLLECTION
Editorial Reviews
From Parents' Choice
A story about the life of a highly regarded Supreme
Court justice, Thurgood Marshall, an African American appointed by President
Johnson. A Parents' Choice Approval. (Parents' Choice, 1999)
From Horn Book
Adler does a fine job of highlighting
Marshall's considerable legal accomplishments and precedence-setting
appointments, such as winning the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
and serving as U.S. Solicitor General. The illustrations are a bit somber but
lend a seriousness to Marshall's unique role in shaping racial attitudes in
America during the last half of the twentieth century. -- Copyright 1998 The
Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Paperback (June 1991) Holiday House;
ISBN 0823408477
Bk & cassette edition
(January 1998) Live Oak Media;
ISBN 0874991668
A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist
minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent
civil disobedience helped American blacks win many battles for equal rights
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal This
beautifully illustrated , easy-to-read biography takes a look at the life,
leadership, and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Adler examines King's
family background, leadership of the Montgomery bus boycott, and the 1963 march
on Washington, D.C. By focusing primarily on these events, Adler provides young
readers with enough basic information to form a well-rounded picture of King and
his ideals. However, the outstanding feature of this book is the vivid
watercolor illustrations, which are sure to capture readers' attention. Casilla
dramatically reveals the mood and feelings of the era. An error appears in the
chronology section, where it states that King was married in Marion, Georgia
instead of Marion, Alabama (some sources list Heiberger, Alabama, which is
nearby). A fine introduction to King and the freedom movement, and one that
would be equally useful for storyhour and discussion groups. --Jeanette Lambert,
LaVega School, Waco, TX
ISBN 0874993997
School & Library Binding Holiday House; (March 1991)
ISBN 0823408566
A brief account of the life and
accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Editorial
Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews Continuing
his very brief biographies, Adler presents the essential facts here in a style
so succinct that it can verge on parody (``Franklin's mother Sara often told
Franklin and Eleanor what to do...Eleanor didn't complain, but later she refused
to be bossed around''). Casilla's skillfully composed watercolors capture the
pathos in many of the situations, ..." Copyright 1991, Kirkus Associates, LP.
All rights reserved.
From Horn Book Highlights from Eleanor Roosevelt's life told in simple sentences are accompanied by colorful illustrations that capture the ungainliness of this strong-minded, purposeful woman. -- Copyright 1991 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson
School & Library Binding (September 1994)
ISBN 0823411222
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks (Picture Book Biography)
Paperback ISBN: 082341177X
School & Library Binding (September 1993)
ISBN: 0823410412
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist . In this volume of his
fine Picture Book Biography series for younger readers, Adler sets the life
story of Rosa Parks within the history of the civil-rights movement. The simple
narrative text and the dramatic color illustrations show the discrimination that
was common when Parks was growing up: one double-page spread depicts the insult
of separate water fountains; another shows the Ku Klux Klan terror with flaming
torches. Then there's the crucial confrontation in 1955 when Parks is arrested
for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. How her brave
act started the Montgomery bus boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is
stirring history. In addition to the sweeping political scenes, there are
portraits by Casilla that capture the ordinary person who made a difference.
Hazel Rochman
From Horn Book More than a brief biography of Rosa Parks, the portrait provides a glimpse into the era of Jim Crow laws and segregation, in which Parks was born. With simple details, Adler recites the facts of Parks's life and emphasizes her strong, pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott -- an action dominated by the leadership of the young Martin Luther King, Jr. Casilla's colorful drawings complement the text. -- Copyright 1994 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
School & Library Binding 
A Picture Book of Jesse Owens (Picture Book Biographies)
by David A. Adler, Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8
- 29 pages (September 1992)
Holiday House;
ISBN: 082340966X
Paperback (Dec.1993)
ISBN: 0823410668
Jesse Owens started life as a poor sharecropper's son and through hard
work, skill, and determination, grew up to become an award-winning sprinter and
champion of the long jump. During the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, he won four gold
medals, then returned to racial prejudice in the U.S.
Editorial Reviews
From Horn Book
Enlivened by vigorous watercolors of Olympic scenes, this brief book
covers the athletic prowess, historic Olympic achievements, and rise to national
prominence of a sharecropper's son who had to work to overcome frustrations of
prejudicial social systems at home and abroad. -- Copyright 1993 The Horn
Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Paperback Reprint edition (October 1992)
ISBN: 0823409767
School & Library Binding (October 1991)
ISBN: 0823408841
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal " As with his previous picture-book biographies, Adler presents
a brief, clearly written text that provides basic information about his subject
in an appealing format. He mentions that Kennedy was not a good student during
his early school days and that as a young senator, women came to the senate just
to watch him. The narrative concentrates on Kennedy's achievements, is free of
fictionalization, and lends itself equally well to reading aloud, recreational
reading, or reports. Casilla's watercolors are full-color copies of famous
photographs ...". --Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJ
OTHER BOOKS
The Pool PartyISBN: 044041010X
When Rudy Herrera is invited to a pool party by Tiffany, the school's richest and most popular girl, his father coaches him in how to act and talk, and Rudy wonders what to bring as a gift.
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews The Herreras are
living in a Fresno, California barrio, when Tiffany Perez, one of the richest
kids in school, invites Rudy Herrera to a pool party. His whole family helps him
get ready: Grandfather (El Shorty) advises that a pool party is when a bunch of
guys get together and shoot pool; older sister Estela urges an improvement in
manners lest Rudy embarrass the whole family; his father finds a huge inner tube
to take along and tries to teach Rudy how to make small talk; but when the big
day comes, the boy's main concern is having a good time. This Latino family has
an exemplary warmth and dignity; no matter how often Grandfather tells the same
stories, they listen politely; and they all pitch in when Father needs help with
his gardening jobs." Work is honorable,'' Grandfather asserts as he shows hands
rough as bark. Mexican-American colloquialisms sprinkled throughout the dialogue
(and nicely defined by the context--no glossary this time) give it an authentic,
playful tone. Engaging, gently humorous--with plenty of realistic full-page
drawings and a jacket that's sure to attract readers. (Fiction. 7-10) --
Copyright 1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Jalapeno
BagelsISBN: 0689805306
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist It's International
Day at school, and Pablo wants to bring a treat from his parents' panderia
to share with his classmates. Should he bring his mother's wonderful pan
dulce or a challah, which his father has shown him how to braid? What
about his favorite chango bars or some of the jalapeno bagels he
and his parents make together? Pablo's final choice isn't much of a surprise,
but Wing's simple, affectionate portrait of a mixed family should have wide
general appeal and be of great interest to grown-ups in search of good books
that show ethnically diverse families. Casilla's warm, glowing paintings capture
the individuality of each character with both subtlety and expression. A
glossary of Spanish and Yiddish terms (which have been italicized in the text)
is an added bonus. Stephanie Zvirin
From Horn Book
For International Day at school, Pablo wants a treat from his family's bakery to
reflect his culture. But he cannot decide between his Mexican mother's and his
Jewish father's wonderful baked goods. After great internal debate, Pablo
finally decides on jalapeo bagels -- a perfect -- if purposive -- mixture of
both parents, just like him. Realistic watercolors entice with delectable
goodies; luckily, recipes are included. Glos. -- Copyright 1996 The Horn
Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Little Painter of Sabana
GrandeASIN: 0027622053
Once Fernanco has made his own paints and bought new brushes, he realizes that he has no paper, so he decides to brighten the whole village of Sabana Grande with his artwork.
Editorial Reviews
From Horn Book
After learning how to mix paints in school, a young Panamanian boy decides to
paint a picture -- until he discovers he has no paper. But the smooth walls of
his adobe house are almost as good, and Fernando soon covers them with images
from the forest around him. Based on a true story, the text, aided by realistic
watercolors, conveys the flavor of a small Panamanian village. -- Copyright
1993 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
ILLUSTRATOR SCHOOL VISITS
There are many things about being a children's book illustrator that I enjoy. One of those things is doing the art for children's books. I also enjoy visiting schools and getting to meet the children and teachers that are familiar with my books.
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In my school visits, I do a presentation called,?"How I Illustrate a Children's Book."
I begin by introducing several of the book that I have illustrated. I will then show the class a manuscript with changes made by the editor. Then I'll read a portion of the story. I'll asks the children to listen carefully and to try to visualize what I read to them.
Then I'll show the class what I visualized from the story by doing a quick (thumbnail) sketch, roughly indicating where the type is going to be within the picture. I'll show a pencil version of the book with the type included, which is the dummy book.
Next I'll show a photo copy of the finished drawing which is much more detailed than the thumbnail sketch and is the actual drawing in which I painted with watercolor.
I read the featured book out loud while I show them the original art work from the book. At times I'll pause and explain other things involved in a particular illustration. The children will get to compare the original art to the finished book. A Q and A session will follow. If time permits I will do a quick drawing. Sometimes I'll bring a book in progress to show the class.
For larger groups I incorporate a brief slide presentation or PowerPoint. By the end of the presentation, the children and adults/teachers will have a basic understanding of how I approach the challenge of illustrating a children's book from the manuscript to the thumbnail sketches to the dummy book and then the final product.
The Professional Fee is $1000 for 4-5 sessions, plus travel expenses.
- Overnight expenses (over 150 miles) $150
Robert Casilla
5 Erin Drive
New Fairfield, CT 06812
Studio phone number (203) 312-0635
Fax (203) 312-0780
mailto:robert@robertcasilla.com
Web Site http://www.robertcasilla.com
To return to state page click HERE. 10/24/10 date last edited
Illustrator Robert Casilla talks about his work at Cottage Lane
School.