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February 24, 2014 by Travis Jonker

Nonfiction Monday: The Scraps Book by Lois Ehlert

February 24, 2014 by Travis Jonker   3 comments


The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life
By Lois Ehlert

Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster)

ISBN: 9781442435711
$17.99
Grades K-5
In Stores

Find it at:
Schuler Books | Your Library

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If you’re thinking of challenging an illustrator to an autobiography-off, just don’t. Oh, you already did it? Look, there’s no shame in bending down, picking up your gauntlet, putting it back on your hand, and riding your horse away like nothing happened. When it comes to autobiographies, illustrators have the ability to tell about their lives in words and artwork – a distinct advantage. In The Scraps Book Lois Ehlert brings the goods. It’s a full visual experience. It’s a trip down memory lane. It’s a pleasure.

It’s clear from the get-go that Lois Ehlert was destined to live a creative life.

When I was little,
I read all the books
on the library shelf,
and I thought
maybe someday
I could make
a book.

And with that, the course of the book is set. Ehlert details her life, but even more so her work. Where does inspiration come from? How does a book come together? The answer to these questions are what the author spends her time on. These are the things kids are interested in. As always, the gal knows her audience.

It reads a bit like a Ehlert’s Greatest Hits, with artwork from many of her books appearing throughout. Feathers for Lunch, Leaf Man, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and many more – each one feels like an old friend stopping by for a visit. This would be great to read with students after an Ehlert author study.

It’s always worth noting when a book will work with a wide age range, and The Scraps Book has that ability. Younger kids won’t have trouble following the simple text and taking in the images, while captions provide additional details for older readers.

While illustrators have the upper hand when it comes to autobiography, few use that advantage to such wonderful results. Add this to your collection with pride.

Review copy purchased.

Read an interview with Lois Ehlert by Julie Danielson in BookPage

Filed under: Nonfiction, Reviews

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Beach LaneSimon & Schuster

About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ed Spicer says

    February 24, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    Love this book. I’m waiting for warmer weather to play with this book in my classroom–hoping that warmer weather happens during THIS school year!

  2. Toni Yuly says

    February 24, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    Looks wonderful! I love Lois Elhert and can not wait to get my hands on this book.

  3. JoAnne Reed says

    April 8, 2014 at 11:45 pm

    This review tells me everything I need to know, to know I need this book!

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