Birthdayographies
Welcome to Birthdayographies, where we celebrate picture book biographies one birthday at a time. Currently, almost 700 books are included and new titles are added regularly. Search for a picture book biography about a particular subject, or find out who shares a birthday with you.
(Unfortunately, during the recent platform switch, not all book covers imported.)
**Please note that I have a backlog of new titles to be added. If you’ve sent me your book’s information, please be patient. I might be seeking an intern to help me catch up.
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Today's Birthdays
November 14 Birthday: CLAUDE MONET: THE PAINTER WHO STOPPED THE TRAINS
Claude Monet
Oscar-Claude Monet
November 14, 1840 – December 5, 1926
CLAUDE MONET: THE PAINTER WHO STOPPED THE TRAINS
by P.I. Maltbie
Illustrated by Jos. A. Smith
(Abrams, 2010)
readers will learn how Claude Monet came to paint trains as well as how
he forever changed the minds of critics about his art and about the
Impressionists in general. When his nine-year-old son raves over trains
passing by in the countryside, Monet wishes his own art could excite
critics as much as trains captivate his son. The book explains his
painting technique, how critics viewed him and the other Impressionists,
and how he came to paint trains.
A. Smith’s beautiful illustrations are paired with P. I. Maltbie’s
comprehensive text to create an inspiring tale of Monet. The book also
includes an author’s note, reproductions of some of Monet’s paintings, a
time line, a list of North American museums that house Monet’s
paintings, a bibliography, and an index.
“A handsome and
child-friendly introduction to the Impressionist master. The narrative
works well, and much information is thoughtfully, accessibly presented.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“Smith expertly illuminates the changing
landscape of an evolving world, as Maltbie’s thoughtful story of
inspiration and imagination highlights a less remembered portion of
Monet’s work.” –Publishers Weekly
Check out some of Monet’s art at the Claude Monet online gallery: http://www.claudemonetgallery.org/
November 14 Birthday: Aaron Copland: BALLET FOR MARTHA: MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING
Aaron Copland, composer
November 14, 1900-December 2, 1990
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca (Flash Point, 2010)
This is the story behind the story of the collaboration of three artists—a choreographer, a composer (Copeland) and an artist—who created the magnificent ballet, Appalachian Spring. Thank you Martha Graham, Aaron Copeland and Isamu Noguchi.
Interviews, features and music of Copland are archived at NPR Music.
November 14 Birthday: William Steig: WHEN EVERYONE WORE A HAT
William Steig, writer and illustrator
Nov. 14, 1907-Oct. 3, 2003
When Everyone Wore a Hat by William Steig (Joanna Colter Books, 2003)
In this picture book autobiography, Steig looked at the year he was eight, when the world was at war, and he had dreams for the future.
A cartoonist for the New Yorker, Steig was in his 60s when he began writing and illustrating children’s books. Stop by Macmillan Publishers for a bio.
November 14 Birthday: ROBERT FULTON: FROM SUBMARINE TO STEAMBOAT
Robert Fulton, inventor
Nov. 14, 1765-Feb. 24, 1815
Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth (Holiday House, 1999)
Fulton’s name is synonymous with steamboats. But first he was a sign painter, air-gun inventor and apprentice jeweler. Read all about his life and inventions in this picture book biography.
Read more about Robert Fulton on this site from the University of Rochester.