Pass It Down: Five Picture Book Families Make Their Mark

Bibliography:
Marcus, Leonard S. 2007. PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 0802796001

Plot Summary:
Our families make impressions on us, whether it be good or bad. In this concept, Leonard Marcus shows us that some parents made such an impact on their children, the children decided to do the same job as their parents. However, instead of being a lawyer or doctor, these parents happened to be children's book illustrators and authors. The author interviews and recounts the lives and works of five famous such families of illustrators and writer, where the parents and children all create images and words in books many children read today.

Critical Analysis:
What is most important about this work is the fact that Marcus reveals some of the background of the authors and illustrators and their works. This background does not merely encompass personal history, but also goes as far as to include letters from their editors and finished and unfinished pieces of book art. The book is a just a scratch on the surface of the topic, but is geared toward children, so the book contains just enough information for children to be able to grasp and understand the concepts. A glossary full of terms that may not be understood by the intended reader is included, which I think is especially of note. Reading a term is one thing, but the ability to understand what it means can be empowering to a young reader. The writing is clear and concise and the additions of the work-in-progress pictures give children an understanding of how picture books are created.

Awards and Reviews:
2008 NCTE Children's Assembly Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts
2008 Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year starred selection
2007 Texas Woman's University Librarians' Choice 100 Best Books of the Year

"Written in an engaging style with clarity and immediacy, this doubles as an accessible primer on the art of penning and visualizing picture books." - Kirkus Reviews

"The writing level is perfectly in keeping with elementary-school children, and the style is chatty and anecdotal." - Horn Book

Connections:
*What do kids have in common with their families? After reading the book, let the kids think on shared trait within their own family circle. Is every good at something (or are they all hopeless at something)?
*Find books done by the authors and illustrators highlighted in the work and read them aloud. Discuss what the similarities and differences are between two works done by one family.

Related Books:
A Caldecott Celebration: Seven Artists and their Paths to the Caldecott Medal also by Leonard Marcus

BOOK COVER FOUND ON:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/829302.Pass_It_Down_Five_Picture_Book_Families_Make_Their_Mark