Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books

by Michelle Markel, Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator)

Overview

This rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children's books—John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. Newbery—for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named—became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children's books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452164496
Publisher:	Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	44
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Michelle Markel writes informative, enjoyable children's books at her home in Los Angeles.
Nancy Carpenter has illustrated over 30 books for children. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Editorial Reviews

★ 03/06/2017
“Lucky, lucky reader. Be glad it’s not 1726,” begins this effervescent tribute to publisher John Newbery. Back then, writes Markel (Hillary Rodham Clinton), children read “preachy poems and fables,” but Newbery strove to publish exciting children’s stories, a prospect that frightened parents: “Many mums and dads worried that if their little nippers read fun books, they’d turn wild as beasts!” In graceful pen-and-ink illustrations, Carpenter (Dear Mr. President) captures a bustling London, as children tear through the streets with piles of Newbery’s books (“The children gobbled them up like plum cakes”); at one point Newbery himself makes a cameo in his “smash hit,” The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes. Weathered-looking typography offers a visual nod to the printing theme, and Markel’s enthusiastic narration pays its own homage to Newbery’s belief that children should have “delightful books of their own.” Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Anna Olswanger, Olswanger Literary. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"A stellar introduction to 'the father of children's literature,' and a glorious example of dynamic bookmaking."-School Library Journal, starred review

"A delightful romp for all"--Common Sense Media

"This delightful book gives us perspective about a relevant part of history, kids' books."--Imagination Soup

"Engaging and irreverent, smart and fun."--Cool Mom Picks

"Effervescent."-Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Boisterous! Spirited pen-and-ink art perfectly captures period detail and changing attitudes toward child-rearing. "--San Francisco Chronicle

From the Publisher

Brimming with exuberance, this picture book is a celebration of John Newbery, publisher and “the father of children’s literature.” Writer and illustrator join together on the dedication page to invite the reader to savor every word, picture, and letter of this book. The weight and feel of the paper indicates this is something special. The excitement builds as Markel describes the birth of books specifically written for children in eighteenth century London. Text and illustration work together to present Newbery and the books he created. The clean layouts are visually attractive, informative, and often humorous; they will keep readers (and listeners) attentive. The use of a variety of fonts in various sizes allows the author to emphasize certain words or thoughts and to maintain the high energy level of the book. Even John Newbery would be pleased with this introduction to his life and legacy. What a great way to begin a discussion of the award named in his honor. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo; Ages 5 to 9.

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

★ 06/01/2017
K-Gr 2—This winning picture book takes on a subject that one wouldn't think, at first glance, would be of interest to modern-day audiences—a look at the life of an 18th-century publisher and shopkeeper. But said publisher is none other than John Newbery, who embraced the teachings of John Locke and is credited with introducing the notion that children's books should be engaging and entertaining instead of strictly instructional and religious. We are all greatly in his debt. Markel's delightfully exuberant treatment follows Newbery's lead and presents the facts of his life in a wholly original and absorbing way, mixing evocative and richly detailed cartoon artwork, a playful use of typography, and visual and textual homages to his books and legacy. Carpenter relies on sepia ink, and the pages are digitally made to look old and weathered. Readers learn that Newbery was a savvy businessman, selling patented medicine, magazines, and toys in addition to his carefully selected books and was not at all assured that his ventures would succeed. "Will the parents buy them? Are they too…cheerful? The children gobbled them up like plum cakes." The back matter is fully sourced and extensive and includes biographical detail as well as descriptions of the books mentioned. VERDICT This title is a fun read-aloud with multiple curricular connections. A stellar introduction to "the father of children's literature," and a glorious example of dynamic bookmaking. Huzzah!—Luann Toth, School Library Journal

School Library Journal